With a Subtitle: Ask God to increase in you the areas where you are falling short. Look forward to improving.
A brief Excerpt: Peter’s letter highlights God’s divine power providing for life and godliness. Believers are encouraged to grow in virtues and seek God’s help for effectiveness and fruitfulness.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from 2 Peter 1:8, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Background
How many of us are content to stay right where we are in life? We’ve got it all together at work, at home, with our spouse, and with our kids. Our relationships with our parents and in-laws are like they should be, and we are the model of a good neighbor. Anybody still out there? The truth is, in most areas of our lives, there is some room for improvement. And the good news is, there is good news. Peter shares it with us here in the beginning of his letter. The first thing he tells us is that God’s divine power has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. So regardless of whether you are struggling with God the creator or one of His creations, He has given you what you need in Jesus Christ. There is nothing you lack, and there is nothing more you require. Another truth he tells us is that when we are growing in His graces, we will be fruitful for Jesus. When He is increasing, we will be improving and effective. So what are His graces? Where do we need to grow so that He will grow in us?
Application
Well, in between these two points is a list of characteristics that might still need some polishing in our lives. Peter says to add virtue to your faith. Is your mind filled with the proper thoughts? Do you think of God as He ought to be considered, free of your personal preferences and opinions? And then add understanding. Are you seeking Him in His Word? Does it shape the way you act and react? Next, add self-control. Are you able to control what you say and do and think because it’s the right thing? Do you allow yourself indulgences where restraint would bring Him glory? Then, add to it perseverance. Are you able to focus on the big picture and dismiss temporary setbacks? Next, add godliness. Does His holiness keep you in awe? Finally, add brotherly kindness and love. They kind of say it all, right? If you are increasing in the others, then that’s love. And that keeps us from being idle for Him, from being ineffective. That is Genesis 1:28. That is being fruitful and multiplying.
Charge
As we seek Him today, consider whether you are effective and fruitful. Ask God to increase in you the areas where you are falling short. Look forward to improving.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org