But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)
We are saved by grace through faith, and nothing needs to be added to that from God's end. We, on the other hand, are called to a vigorous pursuit of our relationship with God, to become complete, to lack nothing of the Holy Spirit, to be mature, prepared, equipped, and perfect in Christ. Being a child of God is a full-time job, and it is good work and worthy of all our effort. That is what Peter means when he instructs us to add to our faith.
A healthy faith is alive and increasing, and it takes that kind of faith to live the overcoming life ordained for us. As we come to understand God's plan, we realize that we are His plan. Yes, we are the victory, the breakthrough, the miracle of God, and the Lord does not have a back-up plan! Jesus is determined to bring many sons and daughters to glory, and we are His holy offspring. Since our faith is all we have that pleases God, let's diligently add to that faith; and in that increase, He is greatly pleased. God is glorified when we walk by faith, and when we add to it by discipline, diligence, and obedience. Let's add to our faith and give Him the glory He deserves.
Let's Pray – Dear Lord, increase my faith daily. I desire to be fruitful and useful in Your Kingdom. Thank You, Sir. Amen.
Amen. May I be fruitful.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Lord, increase my faith!
ReplyDeleteI need to up my "vigorous pursuit".... Lord Jesus help me.
ReplyDeleteGood Word Pastor...my pursuit will start here every morning.