The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.– 2 Peter 1:8 -12 (NLT)
Over the last seven weeks, we have been talking about Supplements of Faith (see previous blogs). We’re now concluding these wonderful truths by considering the above scripture.
I am short-sighted so I use varifocal glasses to correct my vision. Short-sightedness is a very common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred or out of focus, while close objects can be seen clearly. The medical name for this condition is called myopia.
Likewise in a spiritual sense the Bible says, we are short-sighted or even blind if we fail to work at developing and adding these supplements to our faith.
It is important to understand that the Apostle Peter’s statement in the above scripture is not talking about salvation by works. He’s rather referring to the quality of our Christian character and whether we reflect or radiate God’s glory in an increasing measure.
Christian maturity does not happen in isolation, it requires action, which in most cases requires hard work – “…work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.” And again in 2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Spiritual growth and how we develop in our relationship with Christ requires dedication, diligence, and sacrifice. This is where we rely on the Holy Spirit’s power remembering that: “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
So how do we become more productive and useful in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? Or how do we grow spiritually?
By renewing our minds. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
It is in our hands and our duty to control our thoughts and focus our minds on what honours God. We must meditate on God’s Word and apply its truth to our lives.
When we allow God to transform us by changing the way we think, naturally, this will reveal areas of weaknesses in our lives. We must always be ready to admit these weaknesses, our faults and failures and assume responsibility for them. When we ignore or deny our weaknesses, faults, failures and sins, our spiritual growth is stunted and delayed. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 (NLT) When we confess and repent, we grow spiritually.
If these supplements abound in us, we’re assured that we will not fall away. We will not be carried away by the world’s wisdom. We will not stumble or fall away from those God has called and chosen.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 