Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)
What would you want to leave with someone if you knew you were going to die very soon? What would be your last words?
For a man who has been on the Christian journey for most of his life, Peter’s only desire remains seeing people growing in knowing Jesus. Yet his understanding of the process of growing in knowing is not an academic exercise.
Often when I heard people quoting the statement ‘make your calling and election sure’, this was very much an individual challenge to make sure you’re right with God. Yet when you consider the qualities Peter calls us to practice and continue to practice you will note these are things that can only be developed in the context of relationships. No point in being godly in the mirror! Godliness is a quality that needs to impact the world around you. You cannot express mutual affection with the door shut in your closet – however well you get on with yourself – that is something designed for relationships.
Making every effort to embrace that which awaits all those who follow Jesus, calls us not to be selfish or self-centred. Indeed the self-control called for is one expressed to ensure the life of Christ is the only one emerging in our every day interactions.
Peter’s last words still have weight years after he has moved from this mortal existence. To ensure we get all that Jesus wants us to get, we need to remain plugged in to Jesus and practising His life in us in His qualities.
We will have to make every effort.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 