“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 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… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall…
“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have…
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 1:3-8,10,12; 3:18
Peter’s uplifting admonition to the exiled Christians reminded them of the position, promises, purpose, and power that were theirs in Christ. He’d called them to glory and excellence, and saved them! He had given and would keep His precious word, causing them to partake of His very nature! And He supplied all they needed by and along with His power for ongoing spiritual fruitfulness! Remember this hope, establish yourselves in these truths, and keep growing in grace and knowledge of your Savior!
It really is true that the Almighty God has done and does marvelous things! To rescue His children from ongoing corruption and inevitable destruction, and to deliver them from sin’s wicked, wily pull unto fulfilling, fruitful life is the epitome of grace, achieved by resurrection power. Then He grants us that power to continue in Him, to say no to godlessness and yes to increasing faith and virtue. He gives ongoing entrance into the delights of salvation. Praise Him for such a rescue! Praise Him for such a power! (Titus 2:11-14)
So why do we live so often in the murky lowlands of fretting over urgencies, pet peeves and irritabilities, lusts and cravings and thoughtless indulgences? Why are we so weak in resisting temptation, in speaking up with truth, or out against wrong? Why are we so petty in our concerns, and limited in spiritual expectations? The enemy delights that we wallow here and never aspire to loftier vision.
We must remind ourselves and one another of all we have in Christ, and His intent for our time here on earth. How diligent are we to do so, and to put the facts into motion? What effort are we exerting to strengthen our faith, practice and expand virtue, increase in knowledge of God, exercise self-control and steadfastness and love? These take deliberation and time, in study, prayer, interactions with others, and accountability. Knowing what is ours, how will we begin this day to turn ineffectiveness and unfruitfulness to powerful faith and grace-filled living that exalts God?
Lord, may I never take Your gifts, including salvation, for granted, but by Your grace and power exhibit divine character and flourishing, to Your glory.
As the rain and snow 