Growth in Christian Virtue

Growth in Christian Virtue

If there is ever a time when I could say that I have grown in Christ, I would hope that it was now. But as I read these word better yet instructions today, the words seemed to come alive from the screen and renewed my mind in what I know to be faith, wisdom, revelation and understanding. God’s word truly is a mirror and will cause you to see yourself for who and what you really are. (I am talking to myself right now) It will reveal all of the truth in finding out you are not all that you think you are. But you need more work done on the inward parts. Your heart need more fixing, more mending, molding and still yet a complete transformation into the things of Christ.

As I read this passage of scripture this morning, I felt chastised by the word of God for doing far less than what it calls for me to be. I realized I have not been doing all that I know to do. We can be well but can always do better. I am guilty of knowing I should do better. As I sat down and asked God for a word of encouragement for His people today, I was convicted because I should have done more than I have done over the last week. I should have read more, prayed more and loved others more than I did. I repented because I realized that I cannot say that I love God and not do all and then some more of what He has called me to do. I may not be out intentionally sinning but I fall short daily.

Then I ran across a journal note to myself on this one verse, “For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4 I got excited, so I opened the entire chapter and began reading. And as I read the mirror started to reveal my reflection. And oh boy it is not as beautiful as I’d like it to be. But it is the truth about me. I can admit to God when I don’t like what I see or who I am. Why? Because I want to be more like Him and less like myself. I know what His word says about us as people but also what it says about His saving grace and His everlasting love that transforms us into righteousness. It causes us to be joint heirs, sons and daughters of a King, blessed and highly favored.

Jesus left us some amazing instructions on how to live the best life possible on this earth. He did not say we would not have hard times. But he showed us how to get through even the storms of life and still have joy knowing that trouble doesn’t last always. I for one intent from this point on to follow more closely these instructions so that I may live the a life of dynamic spirituality and godliness, and share in all of the promises that He has promised to us.

Those instructions I spoke about, they’re below:

2 Peter 1:1-12 Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ,

To those who have received and possess [by God’s will] a precious faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be multiplied to you in the [true, intimate] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 11 for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth which is held firmly in your grasp. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this earthly tent, to inspire you by reminding you, 14 knowing that the laying aside of this earthly tent of mine is imminent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 Moreover, I will diligently endeavor [to see to it] that even after my departure you will be able, at all times, to call these things to mind.

Originally posted on May 15, 2017 @ 10:22 AM

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