Journey

2 Peter 1:3; 5-7 – 3 [God’s] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence… 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.

When you read it, it always sounds inspiring and just that easy, “I know the gifts I have received, I’ll go share that with other people.” And filled with faith, hope, and love you set out to make the world a little bit better, but then you are actually around other people—and they are the worst! They seem to do everything they can to make you forget all the good gifts you have received. 

This is why we are called to “make every effort.” From the start God knew that what we are being called to would take time and determination. We know that we won’t reach perfection, thankfully we are given steps on how to grow. It starts with the faith we have; this is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. To grow our faith, we live with virtue; that is, we are honest or show integrity. On and on we learn more about ourselves, we grow closer to God, and through that all we can show love to the people around us.

Looking at the passage from 2 Peter, where do you find yourself on the path? Your answer can change depending on your life or circumstances. Thankfully we serve the God of second chances (or 3rd, or 53rd, or 10,264th). You will have days that you are so filled with glory that you shine like a lighthouse of love to the people around you. And you will have days where all you can do is cling to the assurance of things hoped for.

Wherever you find yourself what can you do to move one step further in the journey?