A PORTRAIT OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
II Peter 1:5-7
"But also for this reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self control, to self control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brother kindness love."
These character traits are a picture of the Lord Jesus that God wants to add to my life. Faith in the Christ is the starting point of the Christian life, but it is not the end. The goal is spiritual maturity – to reflect the life of Jesus. Spiritual maturity – virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brother kindness, and love – does not just happen. It is the result of diligent effort. The word "diligent" carries the thought of earnestness. It is purposefully choosing to add these things to my life. It is like an artist painting a portrait. He begins with a sketch, but then purposefully adds color, dimension, and personality to his work to complete the finished picture. God is at work to complete my portrait because I am His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), but I am involved in the painting process. The portrait is not finished yet; the artist is still at work. I earnestly want to add these character traits to my portrait to reflect the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Godly character is the result of purposeful choice and takes effort.
[end]
Have a diligent day. Love you.
II Peter 1:5-7
"But also for this reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self control, to self control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brother kindness love."
These character traits are a picture of the Lord Jesus that God wants to add to my life. Faith in the Christ is the starting point of the Christian life, but it is not the end. The goal is spiritual maturity – to reflect the life of Jesus. Spiritual maturity – virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brother kindness, and love – does not just happen. It is the result of diligent effort. The word "diligent" carries the thought of earnestness. It is purposefully choosing to add these things to my life. It is like an artist painting a portrait. He begins with a sketch, but then purposefully adds color, dimension, and personality to his work to complete the finished picture. God is at work to complete my portrait because I am His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), but I am involved in the painting process. The portrait is not finished yet; the artist is still at work. I earnestly want to add these character traits to my portrait to reflect the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Godly character is the result of purposeful choice and takes effort.
[end]
Have a diligent day. Love you.
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