2 Peter 1:3-11
verses 5-8: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When I read this passage, I am brought back to my childhood, sitting on the pew in church,(hoping my Mom would pass around her little roll of CERTs as a treat), and hearing instructions for how to be a better person. I often left feeling defeated, knowing I could never be THAT good. It just wasn’t possible for me. I don’t remember ever hearing it would be God who gave me the growth and the change. I didn’t have to expect to do all of that myself. Alone, it was too hard. With God, growth and transformation are possible.
Father God, help me to transform. Help me to remember and to notice opportunities to be kinder and more patient. I need practice and coaching. Help me, Lord, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
2 Peter 1:3 - “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Imagine a world in which all lived in such a way that reflected the glory and goodness of God. Here we are in the year 2020 seeing the divine power growing rapidly in Southern Africa, Asia and South America while that power is squandered or ignored in Europe and North America, replaced by hubris and incoherent post-modern philosophical noodling that claims there is no truth; each of us is our own god. Followers of Christ here at home must take our responsibility to be ambassadors for Christ very seriously. We…