November 23, 2023 - 2 Peter 1

God has “granted to us his precious and very great promises” (1:4) and we have “become partakers of the divine nature” (1:4). “For this very reason,” writes Peter, “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control . . .” (1:5-7). The apostle lists many characteristics that are to be found in us. And here’s an interesting thing, though our salvation is all of grace, yet, Peter (and Paul, also) exhorts, “make every effort . . .”

Though we have what we have, and we are what we are, solely by virtue of God’s grace and mercy, we are participants in the Christian life. We are not passive. And so, Peter writes, “Therefore I intend to remind you of these qualities . . . to stir you up by way of reminder” (1:12,13). This is a good Thursday/Thanksgiving (and everyday) reminder, i.e., that we do not merely wait for Christian character to “come to us;” rather, we are to pursue godliness with extreme effort and intentionality.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. -- William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882)