Life is
busy. Between teaching both at school and at church, homeschooling my children,
grading papers, keeping up with meals and housework, spending Saturday mornings
at the soccer fields watching my kids play, and various other things that come
up throughout the week, it seems there is nothing else that could be added to
my days. Instead, it feels like I need to cut back. Yet a few weeks ago, as I
read through 2 Peter, I came across these words, “Make every effort to add...,”
followed by a list of things Peter wanted the believers to be adding to their
lives. There was no exception given for those who were busy. These were a
necessity. As a matter of fact, Peter stressed their importance by saying, “So
I will always remind you of these things” and “I think it right to refresh your
memory as long as I live” and even, “I will make every effort to see that after
my departure you will always remember these things” (2 Peter 1: 12, 13, 15).
What were these things that Peter felt were so necessary for these believers to
add to their lives and not to forget about? Thankfully for those of us with
full calendars, these things are not tasks to be written down in our day
planners. However, perhaps even more challenging, they are traits to be added
to our very being.
There is an interesting paradox in
verses 3 through 10 of 2 Peter. Preceding the verses that tell us what things
we need to be diligent to add to our lives (5-7), there is this well-known
verse: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life” (3).
So the truth here is that God has given me what I need to live rightly, but I
also have to actively work at it. In my own strength, I can’t be transformed
into the person God wants to mold me into, but that doesn’t mean I sit back and
“let go and let God.” Peter explains this is not passive: “Make every effort”
(ESV). “Apply all diligence” (NASB). It is work. It is intentional. We work at
it precisely because we have His power and have been rescued from the corruption
of sin in the world and in our desires (3-4). So, what should we be adding? Before
anything gets added, there has to be something already there. This is:
Faith: This is the starting point. There
is no relationship with God, and there is no transformation to Christlikeness
that doesn’t start with faith that God is who He says He is and that salvation
is in His Son alone (Hebrews 11:6, Galatians 2:20).
Now Peter
starts his list of what to “make every effort” to add to that faith:
1. Virtue: This word is translated “goodness”
in the NIV and “moral excellence” in the NASB. It is a broad term that implies
integrity of heart, one who does right.
2. Knowledge: There are two words for knowledge
in the Greek; this one can also be translated “doctrine” or “wisdom.” Are we
growing in wisdom? This can only come as we get to know the Lord and His Word
better.
3. Self-control: Are we growing in controlling our
tongue? Our thoughts? Our actions? Are we self-disciplined in how we prioritize
our time?
4. Steadfastness: This word can also be translated
“perseverance” or “endurance.” It is standing firm in the faith even through
hardships, patiently waiting on the Lord.
5. Godliness: Are we devoted to the Lord? Are we
pursuing Him and seeking to live in a way that reflects Him to others?
6. Brotherly
Affection: This
can also be translated “kindness.” Do we care about and show concern for our
brothers and sisters in Christ? This should show itself in our interactions
within our church body. Are we getting to know people well enough to share both
joys and burdens with them?
7. Love:
There are four words
in the Greek for “love.” The word used here is “agape;” it is the love that is
sacrificial, willing to give of oneself for the benefit of the other.
These traits are the ones Peter is
asking Christ followers to diligently apply to their lives. As all Scripture is
inspired by God and useful, this list is ours as well. How can we be
intentional? Here are two ideas: One, we choose one of the above virtues that
we know we struggle with and focus on adding that with the Lord’s help. Or two,
we focus on one a week, going down the list, and asking the Lord to grow us in
those areas, looking for opportunities to do just that.
So, instead of adding one more thing
to your “To Do List,” let’s focus on our “To Be List.” And the nice thing is
that this “To Be List” can be practiced even as we check off the items on our
“To Do List.” Peter gives the following encouragement after listing these
traits: “If these qualities are yours and increasing, they keep you from being
ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (8). Don’t
we want that?
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