Message from Michael

Increasing in Measure?

The other day, we bought ourselves a new set of bathroom scales. These replace an old set of electronic scales which would show a different weight every time you stepped on them in the one session. For some time now, we have tried nudging it in tiny increments across the lino to see if we can gain a consistent reading. Perhaps the floor was offering a slightly unbalanced surface. But we had to face the fact that the old scales had to go, because its measurement of weight couldn’t be trusted due to the degree of variance.

I had looked forward to stepping on our new set of scales - being able to get a consistent and reliable reading. But I have been met with disappointment and frustration. I was led to wonder if these new scales are also faulty. This is because the reading is now consistently higher than I think it should be. I won’t tell you what it is, but I can assure you that it really shouldn’t be that high.

I think the issue is not so much with the scales, if I am to be honest, but with me and my weight. The disappointment and frustration are mixed with a sober dose of reality and dismay. The new scales are doing their job perfectly well – too well - the electronic display proudly announcing to me what I do not really want to see. I need to lose weight!

Sometimes we are confronted with that which we would prefer to ignore or pretend is otherwise. Maybe I could take the batteries out of the scales so I can live in blissful ignorance? Or maybe I should lose a few pounds? I need to make a concerted effort to address this expanding issue.

The whole sorry saga reminds me of something that the apostle Peter wrote in his second letter. In 2 Peter 1:5-8, Peter gives a command to his fellow believers in Christ Jesus, about the addition of the following qualities in the Christian life …

“… make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

And Peter advises that, far from seeking to lose spiritual ‘weight’, we should always seek to be growing in our spiritual girth. We are to be disciples on the look-out for nourishment from spiritual ‘calories’. Forever increasing in measure.

“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So, when it comes to my physical form, I want to make some effort to shed a bit of excess baggage. But, in regard to my walk with Jesus as His disciple, I want to make every effort to see an increasing measure.

Now, where did I put those batteries?