Possessing Godly Qualities

“…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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, 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. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”- 2 Peter 1:5-9 ^NIV

            This is Peter’s 2^nd letter to the church-at-large, in which he warns Christians about the false teachers that were attempting to infiltrate the local churches. He urged the believers to work at growing in faith and the knowledge of Christ. This was not an option, but rather a command. It’s not something that happens automatically, it takes hard work. These characteristics weren’t to be worked on one at a time, but rather all at the same time. They are to become a regular part of their daily lives.

            The false teachers were saying that performing deeds was not important because they can in no way save someone. While this is true, it’s false to think deeds are unimportant. Performing deeds in the name of the Lord is a natural outcropping of one’s faith. Our love for the Lord should drive us to do things on his behalf.

            It’s God’s desire to develop his character in us, but we must want to be more like Christ in our daily life and that will require self-control and discipline. God will take our desire and by his Holy Spirit empower and enable us to learn and grow. As you grow in the things of the Lord you may find that the worldly things you’ve 

enjoyed in the past will grow less interesting and important to you. It’s not that the shows you watch on TV or the books you read are necessarily bad for you, it’s just that God is moving front and center in your life and spending time with him seems of paramount importance. This doesn’t mean that you must utter the name of Jesus with each breathe you take or involve biblical themes in everything you do … no, it’s just that God wants to be with you and wants your undivided attention. That may seem strange in the beginning but will become much more natural over time. Strive to be like Christ. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing. 

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries