God gives us many different characteristics that help set us apart from the wicked. And if you are born again, what I am about to read from 2 Peter, chapter 1, should already be a part of your everyday life. He said, “whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (2 Peter 1:4-7) So we know that faith saves us, but with faith, we increase in our knowledge of Jesus and also begin to do as He says because of what transpires next in our lives. Our faith leads us to be virtuous or have high morals. Having virtue in our life leads us to be teachable and gain knowledge from God. This knowledge leads us to have temperance, which is abstinence from different foods and alcoholic drinks. Temperance leads us to be patient with others and with God. This patience leads us to be godly, which is a disciple of Jesus, who continues to focus on Him daily. This godliness, helps us be kind towards every person in the faith and without. Kindness helps us see the needs of others and also brings about charity. So we show our love by giving to those in need.
Peter also said, “for if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8-11) When your faith builds you up to be the person I mentioned above, as Peter said, we do not become religious, but more Christ-like. These traits help us bear fruit, that others can see that we are truly saved and not just a person who says they are. However, those that lack the things that Peter taught on are blinded because of the ways of the world. The same people forgot what Jesus did for them while forgiving their sins, and are now lost. So it is important to make sure that we make our election sure, which is to know for certain that we are saved. People have gone astray and not come back, while willfully abandoning their salvation, which is very sad. Being diligent in the faith keeps us from falling away and instead, enduring till the end. And after this life, our reward is to be given entrance into Jesus’s everlasting kingdom. The new earth and heaven await those that believe.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will use me mightily for Your kingdom. Build up my faith daily through the Holy Spirit. Give me characteristics that come from the Spirit, even traits like virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness, and charity in my life. There have been times that this type of lifestyle was who I was. I continued in them daily. What I need help with now is to have patience, kindness, and charity. I need to be more aware of people and their needs like I once was before. When I am less into myself and into others, their ways are more important. I am able to minister to people the way You would on earth. Lord, it is true that I seek You daily, but know that I am not perfect. I have said things I should not say to people while getting impatient with them. I am sorry and also hope and pray that these same people will accept my apology. I have learned that I can never win anybody to You if the Spirit is not in me. Therefore, I pray that it will abound and that I will not keep myself distant from You. So many things in this life try to take precedence over You, and I pray that through Your strength in me, I will be led away from every evil and wicked temptation. Nothing is more important than knowing You and being led by Your mighty hand. I love You more than anything this flesh desires. You are my God and I worship You. Keep an eye on me, Lord. Help me endure life’s trials. I love You, God. Amen.
