Listen up Girl! Be Diligent in Your Pursuit

listen-upPeter, in his second letter, writes “to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (1:1) That would be me. A believer. I am one who has put her faith in the righteousness of my Savior.

So my heart says “listen up girl, he’s talking to you!” Oh I know that all of God’s word is talking to me, but truthfully there are times when I (WE) read with someone else in mind. Am I right? Anyway, this morning I am reminded that there is no one here but me and I am the one God, through Peter, is speaking to.

My life verse is 2 Peter 1:3. It hasn’t always been, but about 10 years ago I came to fully realize and believe that it was “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” From that moment until now I have seen over and over that God has granted me and will grant me everything I need for life and godliness. How? Through a true knowledge of Him.

But what is a “true knowledge”? True knowledge is gained when we are diligent in our pursuit of KNOWING God. Not just about Him but having a heart knowledge. A knowledge that leads to action.

Let me say it this way, “If I say that I know and follow God but my actions do not show it in any way, then my knowledge is only a head knowledge. It’s not a heart knowledge. I don’t really know or follow God.” (read 1 John)

For those who do know God, and are following in obedience by faith, He  has given them (ME!) His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them I can have a divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world. (1:4)

Wait a minute! Let me see if I understand this. If I have a true knowledge of God and live in His power, which gives me everything I need pertaining to life and godliness then I can escape the corruption of this world? You mean I don’t have to be like the world or fall into the temptations of this world?

“Okay let’s say I really believe this (which I most certainly do!) then PLEASE tell me HOW!?” God’s word gives us all that we need to understand the “how” of it.

Peter tells me that I need to be diligent in my walk of faith. What does a walk of faith look like? It’s a life of moral excellence, knowing God, being self-control, having patient endurance, godliness, and a love for others.

If I am diligent in pursuing these in my life through a study of God’s word and relying on HIS power then I will become fruitful in my knowledge of Christ. My life will reveal godliness, not worldliness.

BUT if I am not diligent in developing these virtues in my life then it shows a life that has forgotten God. My life will reveal a life that is fruitless. A life that doesn’t remember, or know, it’s been cleansed from sin and a life of sin.

Oh God help me to be diligent in my pursuit of know You. I desire that my life is lived in such a way that brings glory to you. A life that pursues godliness, not worldliness. Father show me the areas of my life where I have not surrendered completely to You. Create in me a greater and purer knowledge of You so that my life will be lived in moral excellence. Amen

 

And just so the enemy doesn’t try to speak lies into my heart about how often I can forget that I have been freed from the bondage of sin and I now have Christ power in me to live a life pursuing godliness I read how Peter says that’s he considers it right to remind them of these truths. So maybe they too were forgetful like me?

“…I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind. 2 Peter 1:12-15

1 comment:

  1. I'm listening girl-much to think about and it falls in to line where I am focusing in this season- knowing god-pursuing after Him trying to move to a place of intentional living, a place og godly fruitfulness. thanks for sharing and listening to the holy Spirit. Be Blessed

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