The Best Recipe

So today, it hit me. I wasn't doing anything extra special or out of the ordinary. In fact, I was in the kitchen with my daughter. We were enjoying some time together as we baked some zucchini bread. Most of the time is usually spent instructing, trying to be patient, and cleaning up messes along the way. It also is a rewarding time as I watch our little girl, who isn't so little any more, measure, stir, mix, and as always, ask for chocolate chips.

I don't claim to be a professional chef or magnificent baker, but I can follow a recipe. If the recipe is written correctly, the exact ingredients are on hand, each measurement is followed, and every step performed, then the end result is fabulous! Seldom do I venture out on my own and try to substitute ingredients or vary from the recipe, but when I do...disaster.

Even if I follow the recipe, I am not guaranteed that I won't make a mess. Sometimes an ingredient is missed, mis-measured, or substituted incorrectly. Sometimes I may misread the directions, get ahead of myself and add things in the wrong order, or try to do something different than is instructed.

Thankfully, on the days that I try to venture out and end up failing, I can get back up, brush myself off, and try again. (Prov. 24:16a) How else did we get such great recipes? Someone tried and failed multiple times, no doubt, before they perfected and published the recipe.

Isn't God's Holy Word my perfect "recipe" for life? Shouldn't it be?

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

that the man of God may be perfect,

throughly furnished unto all good works."

(2 Tim. 3:16,17)

God's Word is written correctly, for it was inspired by a Holy God. It contains no mistakes for it was inspired by a perfect God. And, it contains every ingredient I need for my Christian life. The verses in 2 Timothy also give hope for a fabulous result. Isn't that what every chef, baker, or cook wants - a perfect result? Isn't that what I want?

Now it's up to me to follow the recipe.