Giving all diligence

 “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7KJV

The phrase “giving all diligence” was translated as “make every effort” in some translations of the Bible. This is a call to action on our part to increase Christian character. Indicators of Christian growth are the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. A lot of Christians focus on gifts because of the glamour, but the fruit of the Spirit is what will make you, as an individual, minister to yourself. The gifts are for ministering to others, while the fruit ministers to you personally. In any case, spiritual matters demand physical effort if we want to be fruitful as Christians.

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ “2 Peter 1:8KJV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25 KJV

Be intentional about building your character as a Christian. You will have to deal with the flesh by crucifying it with its affections and lusts. You will have to submit yourself to God to do what He wants with your life. No law can be against you when you walk in the spirit and display the fruit of the Spirit. You will live above both the law of men and the law of God. This is the position that God has for us.

May you be evidence of God’s wisdom and power, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer for today: Oh God, do what You want with my life, in Jesus’ name.

Salvation: Lord Jesus, I believe in the forgiveness of sin and in the redemption from the power of darkness through your blood. I confess you as my Savior and Lord.  I invite you into my life to save my soul. Holy Spirit, come into my heart and make me what you want me to be. Thank you Lord for saving me in Jesus name.