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2 Peter 1:5 says, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
Peter has unapologetically engaged us to participate in this process of sanctification. With the understanding that this is the process for believers, we must give diligence to the areas that we are adding to our faith. We are not adding to our faith; so that, we can be more saved. That would be impossible. We are adding to our faith to engage in God’s predetermined sanctification process for every believer. The end of this powerful journey is to be conformed more and more into the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 says, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Paul does not speak in no wise about people being predetermined to be saved. He is teaching what Peter is teaching, that God’s sovereign plan for those who come to Christ through faith is to become more and more like His son, Jesus. The word “Virtue” literally means moral excellence or goodness. This word reveals that our faith in Christ should be so growing that it demonstrates God’s goodness. It should constantly be flooding out of our lives. My life should be living proof that God is righteous, and the world sees this through God working in me. My obedience to God should be a light to the world of my faith and an example to the next generation as the proper path for them to follow. A four year-old girl asked her mother, "Mom, how long is it until my birthday?" The mother responded, "Not very long, dear." To which the child responded, "Is it time for me to start being a good girl?" The little girl was being charmingly real, but she did not yet have a proper understanding of goodness. She sought to please her parents in order to receive presents. Christians should want to do right and live virtuous as a natural response of gratitude because of blessings received from God. If you are a Christian, it is time now for you to live a holy life. How can you start? Growth in holiness is enabled by an intentional effort. So, be intentional about living a life of OBEDIENCE today! GOD’S MAN CHALLENGE: Purpose in your heart to live in obedience to God’s Word. GOD’S MAN PRAYER: Lord, Give me the strength to live in obedience and the discernment to know when I am off the path. Amen
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