August 7, 2017 (Monday)
Yesterday’s blog featured a song based on Hebrews 11, which tells us about people of faith, who obeyed God as they lived through the journey of life. They were believers who looked for a city. They were on their way to a Promised Land. We believe that we all are traveling through this life toward our destination, which is Heaven. We’re on a trip.
This trip requires that we pack our bags with necessities so that we will be prepared for whatever happens as we travel. In Peter’s second letter to Christians, he names a number of things that are vital as we travel through life. He says to us, “Remember these things!”
We believe the Bible is speaking to us today in the words of Peter spoken so long ago. Let’s take a look at what he says (2 Peter 1). We are reading from the Amplified Bible. Here’s what it tells us:
REMEMBER THESE THINGS:
Faith. Begin with faith. In 2 Peter 1:1, we are reminded that we have “received and possess [by God’s will] a precious faith .. by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ..” Romans 10:9-10 tell us about our faith: “..if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Moral excellence. “[..make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to develop moral excellence..” (vs 5)
Knowledge (vs 6). Don’t forget to add knowledge (insight, understanding) to moral excellence.
Self-control (vs 6). Show insight and understanding when you practice self-control.
Steadfastness (vs 6). Never give up. Don’t quit. Persevere to the end. When Jesus returns, will He find you faithful?
Godliness (vs 6). Think about God constantly. Be spiritually-minded. Live so that your life would not make sense if there were no God.
Brotherly affection (vs 7). Jesus said believers are his brothers and sisters. As family members, we love each other.
Love for everyone.(vs 7). “[develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].”
Verse 8 tells us, “..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.”
You and I as Christians are on a journey we call “life.” Have we remembered to make sure we have these things? Don’t forget–not for a moment–who you are.