Many years ago, when my daughter was still very young, I told her I was going  to make some deviled eggs. She looked at me wide-eyed, and with utmost sincerity, protested at having anything in our home called “deviled.” From that moment on, and for many years to follow, we called them angel’d eggs instead.

Today, while planning next week’s dinner menu, which will include some of those delightful, angel’d appetizers, I couldn’t help but think of a quote from Anne (of Green Gables).¹  She said:

I read in a book once that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I’ve never been able to believe it. I don’t believe a rose would be as nice if it was called a thistle or a skunk cabbage.

Although I see her point, in reality a simple name change means nothing.  A rose is just as beautiful, and smells just as sweet, no matter its title. And thistles or skunk cabbages will still be what they are despite whatever name we call them by.

This brings another popular quote to mind, “Sitting in church doesn’t make someone a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes them a car.”

Dear reader, living out your faith is every bit as important as professing it. Whether your true nature is more like that of a rose, or that of an ill-smelling skunk cabbage, you will never be able to fool anyone; at least not for long. And you will certainly never be able to fool God.

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy (I peter 1:13-16).

¹ L.M. Montgomery. Anne of Green Gables.