December 2

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. — Heb 12:15 BSB

It's not losing everything that we should fear, but falling short. We may not lose our souls, but we could lose something far more precious than life itself—His full approval, His highest blessing, and our incorruptible, star-adorned crown. It's that one extra degree that makes all the difference between powerless hot water and steam, which can carry its load across the continent with power.

I want, in this short life of mine,
As much as can be pressed
Of service true for God and man,
Help me to be my best.

I want to stand when Christ appears
And hear my name confessed,
Numbered among His chosen ones,
His holiest and best.

I want, among the victor throng,
To have my name confessed,
And hear my Master say at last,
“Well done, you did your best.”

Give me, O Lord, Your highest choice;
Let others take the rest.
Their good things have no charm for me,
For I have found Your best.