1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

In formula one we mentioned how following God’s formula we have influence in bettering the world. When people see that obeying God’s way leads to a better life, then they just might choose to follow God also.

Formula two still involves believers. This devotional is after all about living the life God has given us. Formula two is like formula one in that we still believe but do not activate or acquire the full promises of God due to our failing to correctly understand those promises and how they work in this life.

It begins with a failure to appreciate the total significance of salvation. Our eternal salvation is the final goal, yet some of us treat salvation like it is the only issue that needs to be addressed. It is what I call the “comfortable Christian” syndrome. It is fostered in churches where the milk of the word is the only thing preached. Hearing the same thing over and over again so that unbelievers might be saved only benefits the lost, but does nothing to develop the babes in Christ into mature Christians.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

The issues I am talking about do not affect your eternal salvation which is assured. If Christianity were but an intellectual exercise you could read the bible one time and obtain everything you need. The life we live in Christ is a transformative life. We are ever changing if we will continue beyond the new birth and grow in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:13c it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

We access the effectual Word by immersing ourselves in the Word. The “comfortable” believer says “I’m good.” But are you truly happy, safe and satisfied if you have not received all that God has promised? Coming to a full understanding of God’s promises and how to access those promises are not found in the milk of the Word.

Grow in Christ. Be transformed.

Romans 2:12 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Galatians 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Yesterday I proposed a formula for receiving God’s blessings in provisions. What I had hope to address and did not have the space to do it yesterday was the formula as it pertains to leaders. Without getting into politics I would like to propose that what the bible says here about master applies to all who are in authority, from a national leader all the way down to job supervisor. Anyone who has the ability to direct the actions of another could learn from God’s pure example.

I have often said that people all over the world have the same basic needs and desires. They are shelter, food, and clothing. Given the opportunity people will build a life for themselves that is happy and fulfilling to them and their families. Leadership at all levels should look to that goal for themselves and all that they have authority over.

Being just requires more than being legal. Laws vary and no one system can be view just in God’s eyes if all one is concerned about is not violating the law. Just has to be about doing what is right in God’s eyes given the constraints of one’s own legal system. Laws usually say what you cannot do and do not limit what you can do.

Equal means that all are treated the same. No one is shown favoritism. This is where politics, all politics go wrong. The man living in a grass hut should be treated as an equal with the one living in a marble palace. His circumstance should not dictate his worth. Not all leaders believe in God and therein lies the problem. They need a Godly example set before them to see what should be done.

Colossians 3:22-23 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;