For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. -2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)
You have everything you need to live to a godly life and it is God's desire that you participate in this life. But how do you do it? How do you live the way that God wants you to live?
It begins with faith, believing in Jesus Christ and his teachings. It is important to add to that faith goodness, striving to the do the right things in the right way. Knowledge is essential in order that we can apply the wisdom of God in all aspects of life. Self control is crucial to allow the wisdom of God to keep feelings and actions in check. Perseverance is key because the life of faith isn't always easy; perseverance is not simply enduring or accepting things as they come but also looking forward to the way God can work for good in all things. Godliness does not just mean being in right relationship with God but also being in right relationship with others. Mutual affection is paramount because it's so easy to focus some much on your relationship with God that you forget or neglect relationships with other people. Finally, it's not just enough to have affection for others, you must grow in and have love for others.
When you do these things, Peter says that you will not stumble and that these things will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive. If you don't do these things, you'll become blind or short-sighted in your understanding of who God is and who God calls you to be.
May God grant you the grace to do the things that will enhance your life in Christ today.
Tomorrow's suggested readings are Isaiah 53-56 and 2 Peter 2.
No comments:
Post a Comment