212 Degree Lifestyle

212 Degree Lifestyle

What ever compells us to do more than what is expected of us? For that matter, what compells us just to do the right thing no matter what? In the business world we are compelled by all the perks that may be offered for a job well done.  In school we make good grades so that we will have better opportunities later in life. But what about in our spiritual life? What compells us to attend every service, give as we have prospered, study the Bible, and serve God more than ever before? We need to establish a "212 Degree Lifestyle." At 211 degrees, water is hot. But at 212 degrees the water meets the boiling point. And with boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive, aircraft carrier, power plants and much more. It’s that one extra degree, just one, that makes all the difference. And, so many times, it’s that one extra degree of effort in business, school, and yes even in our spiritual life, that separates the good from the great. The Lord does not have time for those who are indifferent. Just look at how He reacted towards the angel of the church at Laodicea. "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:16). Now please don't misunderstand me. I am not saying that good is not good enough. But remember, "And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles" (Matthew 5:41).

What I am saying is that GOD compells us to do more than we are doing today! What ever we are doing, we...can...do...more! God sent His Son to this earth to die for the sins of all man kind. That is what God has done for you and for me. And all He is asking in return is for us to follow His Son Jesus to a life of obedience and righteousness. In Matthews account of the crusifixion we are told that, "As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross" (Matthew 27:32). What compells you today? The beauty of 212 degrees is not only its simplicity, but also its many applications. You can apply the concept to 212 service, 212 attitude, 212 leadership, 212 kindness, 212 commitment, 212 focus, 212 perseverance...the list goes on. Once you’ve heard this simple, easy way to live your life, it’ll be hard to forget! But the one part of life we must never forget about is the spiritual. Henry Ford once said, "If you think you can do something, then you can. But if you think you can't, then you won't." You see Jesus asks us to follow him every day. "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). I would hate to know that in that last day at judgement I was one degree away from faithfulness. This lifestyle compells us to always do more.

Paul Spurlin