Our lives are a ‘work in progress’.

The choices we make, the habits we develop, the opportunities we seize, all work together in building this unique life that each of us live.

We can’t overestimate the impact of the roads we choose to walk…   they make us who we are, they define our experience, they reflect us as unique, free-willed, individual human beings.

Robert Frost’s famous poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ speaks to the defining nature of our life choices… especially the conclusion: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”.

Our faith lives are a similar ‘work in progress’ in which we are building upon the foundation of God’s truth, will, and promise. We build lives of faith the same way we build every aspect of our lives…   by making good choices, developing good habits, and seizing good opportunities.

Of course, this ‘building’ a life of faith is challenging. It takes hard work, commitment, courage…   not to mention faith, hope, and love. Alone, on our own, we are tempted to discouragement. Often, the paths God calls us to follow, the lives God calls us to build, are scarier, more difficult, and run counter to, the paths the world opens for us to follow and the lives the world calls us to build. When we face the choice of which way to go…   we are likely to choose the path of least resistance.

What are we to do? Live, work, and build together of course! Alone we can’t build very much. Alone we are susceptible to fear and doubt. But together…   TOGETHER people are able to accomplish much…   and when it comes to the life of faith…   doing life together is just the inspiration and encouragement needed to really shine.

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5-6)

We who follow Jesus are a ‘spiritual house’, we build together and together with God. We shine our light to the world that gives courage, encouragement, and inspiration to all who see us. And while we are not perfect…   we are still a work in progress and, by God’s promise, will continue to be built up better and better.

Choose today the road with Jesus. It may be the one ‘less traveled by’ by the world’s estimation…   but it will make all the difference. That is a promise of God.