God Wants Me to Be Under Control
As a maturing Christian
2 Peter 1:5-7
Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 19-24 : PM - Acts 21:1-16
To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness (2 Pet. 1:6)
"Grow up!" might sound like an admonition to a teenager exhibiting childish behavior, However, the advice is appropriate for every Christian.
All believers have experienced God's grace in Jesus Christ, but far too many fail to see the importance of growing toward maturity. In our devotional passage, Peter urged believers to grow in Godliness.
Spiritual growth is neither automatic nor easy. Neither is it optional; it is imperative. Salvation, though free, demands something on our part - faith and the willingness to work. The attributes listed in verses 5-7 reflect the character of Christ Himself. We don't finish one before we start on the next one; we work on them simultaneously. And we never finish! While God inspires and enables us, He expects us to put forth the effort to grow in His likeness. To do so, we must be completely under His control.
Help me to see, O God, the importance of advancing in godliness. May I understand it will never come without bible study, prayer, and discipline.
