“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Proverbs 16:3.

Sam Parker is a keynote speaker and the author of 212 the extra degree. He writes- “One degree. Applying one extra degree of temperature to water means the difference between something that is simply very hot and something that generates enough force to power a machine – a beautifully uncomplicated metaphor that should feed our every endeavor – consistently pushing us to give the extra effort in every task, action, and effort we undertake to achieve extraordinary results.” www.successories.com/inspireyourpeople/212.

Our attitude when completing a task can break or make the outcome. We can be energized, enthusiastic, or lackadaisical at any given moment, but the extra effort makes all the difference…the metaphor brings the point home of how hot water and boiling water are only one degree apart!

At 211 degrees, water is hot.

At 212 degrees, it boils.

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And with steam, you can power a train.

One extra degree makes all the difference.

On this journey of life, every born-again believer has a charge to keep-how are we going about our work for the upbuilding of God’s kingdom-are we simply hot at 211 degrees, going through the motions, unsure of our calling and purpose, or at the boiling point at 212 degrees-full of steam and running this race to win the prize -giving off that one extra degree that can bring hope and salvation to some sinking or lost soul today?

Let us examine ourselves, will someone catch the enthusiasm and bright light of our Lord and Savior, from our actions, speech, and works? The prophet Jeremiah expressed his anointing with God’s word like a burning fire “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”  Jeremiah 20:9.

Can you imagine, it was like fire shut up in his bones-He couldn’t contain himself! We each have a divine purpose in this life, God provides all the grace, strength, and Holy Ghost power that we need to do His will!

When we let go and let God lead our way, He blesses and fills us with the abundance of His Spirit so that the effects of our works will overflow and touch the lives of others- yes, my friends, we have a job to do as servants of the Lord, scripture tells us “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Proverbs 16:3.

Let us start today praying to be 212-degree servants of the Lord, on fire like Jeremiah, and making a difference in the work that we do for His divine purposes. The word admonishes us:  “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10.

Remember, that only what we do for Christ will last- and in this dark world- one word of comfort, one touch, one prayer, that one extra degree- will make the difference in the life of another!

God blessings of peace and amazing grace to all.