To a "T"

The other weekend we were out with our friends and got into a discussion.  My friend Tracy Vetitoe was telling me how she was going to bake a carrot cake for her husband's birthday.  He on the other hand spoke of how delicious this cake was and how she did not make it often enough.

We began talking of how I baked a peach cobbler and my husband spoke of what a good job I had done on my first attempt.  I told Tracy that I tried a new receipe.  I also told her that I don't normally like to bake or cook because the flavor and final product don't turn out like the picture.

She in turn asked me if I followed the receipe and I responded "of course not." Sometimes I may add a little extra oil or another egg, or just a tad more milk.  She laughed and said "well, there's your problem-you have to follow the receipe to a T!"

In an effort to test her theory once again I made another cobbler [because Fredericksburg peaches are the best!].  What I found is that for me, it is impossible to follow a receipe to a "T"  You see, when I put the corn starch in the measuring cup, I could not get an even 1/4 cup.  There was corn starch on the sides, I couldn't get the amount level, so I just poured it all in there.  I find it impossible to follow a receipe to at "T"

In our life with Christ, some find it difficult to follow the Word of God to a "T" also.  We deviate from what it says, we try to justify our moves, we make efforts to convince others of the meaning, and we add our own interpretation. 

God's Word says in Colossians to "...set our minds on things above, not on earthly things." [3:2] It also says to "Put to death, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed which is idolatry...you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices..." Colossians 3:5, 10

It is a clear receipe for what is required of us yet like me.....we often veer off the road and don't follow it to a "T" the results can be a disaster.  Like a receipe, we are to follow God's direction to a "T" for a good result.  Yes, we may fail and we may find ourselves on a familiar road but it will not be the road God has called us to. 

A few days after that conversation with Tracy I received a letter in the mail from her.  It was her receipe for the carrot cake with a note attached that read "Follow receipe to a 'T'"

We can not substitute or deviate from what God has called us to.  Following God's Word to a "T" begins with being in it!

So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.  Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you. so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will posses.  Deuteronomy 5:32-33