I was praying the other day, and asking God why I still struggle with some of the same old sins. I mean, really, I have been saved for over 17 years. I really thought by now I would be holy. It still is so much work to stay pure, keep my eyes where they belong, and not get angry at stupidity. That's sounds harsh, but maybe that gives you a peek into my frustration.
The next morning, I read this:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2nd Peter 1:5-8)
I have read that many times over the years, and it sounded good and sensible, but for some reason, it offered me hope... and a slight tinge of correction. I think God was saying to me that morning that it is a process, and it is a process that requires my full participation. Sure, I have been reading the Bible for 17 years, attending church, having Bible studies, home fellowship meeting, and volunteering for various things. I have gone on mission trips as far as the Philippines... But God gently reminded me that my struggles would not be removed as a reward for doing things. God doesn't give us a list of do's and dont's and if we do really well, He removes our sinful tendencies... He never said that at all.
The truth is this - we have to "make every effort..." Yes, the Holy Spirit is active in us and we are given faith, and grace, and God is working everything together to conform us into the likeness of His Son, but we must "make every effort" to be holy. Have I made every effort? The answer to why I still struggle is abundant clear now... and it isn't God's fault.
So the process starts with Faith. It is impossible to please God without faith, and our life with Him starts with faith - the belief that He is, and He is able to do all He said He will do. To Faith, we add goodness. We make every effort to be good, to do good, to act good. Good to our family, our friends, and strangers. Every effort - good. Got it? To that, make every effort to add knowledge... we need to read the Bible, study, seek God, talk to others who are learned, and make every effort to become more knowledgeable about God, life, salvation, and humanity.
Self-control. Really? Self-control. I am confident that I have not made every effort to be self-controlled... this possibly could be a sticking point, and it may take me a while to get to the next level... But, if I would have been making every effort to be good, and adding knowledge, I think the self-control might be a little easier... I think I see a pattern here....
Perseverance. Stick-to-it-edness. When the going gets tough, the faithful get on their knees. Then, they get up and keep going. God doesn't explain all of our obstacles, and He certainly doesn't remove them. But He is with us, and He is asking us to make every effort to persevere.. stick with Him. It is worth it.
Godliness. Honestly, I think if I could do the above better, I would be godly... The cool thing here, and the reason I am encouraged, is because this process makes sense, and it seems doable, with His help, of course. But to be godly, "like God" is a very, very awesome thing. I really want to be more godly... I guess it will take some effort on my part. Every effort.
Brotherly kindness seems pretty easy after getting through the previous challenges. If I am making every effort to be good, adding knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness... I am pretty sure brotherly kindness will be a piece of cake. The funny thing is, I think I have the brotherly kindness thing down fairly well right now, but I am lacking in the previous areas. Perhaps I have gone out of order and went to the easier ones. I mean, it is easy to show love to my brother.. He is my brother after all... that isn't that hard.
And finally, Love. This seems almost like a "just in case I missed anything" sort of thing. But it lines up with what Paul said to the Corinthians: If I give everything to the poor... but have not love, it is useless and worthless. (DannyT's paraphrase) I think the point here is that if we are making all this effort, don't miss the whole point of it all - Love. God is Love, and He has called us to love. Love changes things. People get saved because we love. People come to know God because we love. Love.
The entire Chapter 1 of 2 Peter is eye-opening, and I encourage you to dig deep into the richness of His Word, and remind you of the encouragement within. God spoke, and He still speaks today. He answers our cries, and He offers hope. He empowers us to become all that He intended us to be. We must engage, and make every effort to grow closer to Him. It isn't easy to do, but the process is understandable, and attainable.
Our God is a great God, who loves us more than we can imagine or comprehend. I am grateful for this God who offers a loving answer in response to my heartfelt cry of frustration. I am thankful that He accepts me as I am, but loves me way too much to leave me this way.
I hope to encourage you to seek Him. Cry out. He will answer you.
