A Life Not My Of Own

“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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, 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.” 2 Peter 1:5-8




    This process is essential in ministry. We all have times where we fail to add one without the other. In my experience, knowledge without goodness is harmful and wages war, one against another. We are called to be GOOD first, and then knowledgeable. Why? Our knowledge should be used to guide, encourage and do what we're called to do, minister to one another and the world. We need to be good in our ways and our judgement, to know when and how to use our knowledge and not to just ramble off meaningless words.
"Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands."- Psalm 119:66


  We are called to practice self-control, before perseverance. Perseverance without self-control, proves more often than not, to be an act of fools. Perseverance can lead to destruction without having some restraints and can result in turning people away from Christ rather than leading them to Him. Doesn't a farmer water the seeds he has sown in some sort of regulation? "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." - 2 Thessalonians 3:5


   This next one may be the most dangerous, godliness without first having perseverance can lead to not only downfalls in your ministry, but a detour in your walk with God. If you look up godliness the definition will say: "Having great reverence for God" We need to revere God at ALL times, not just when we feel like it's right for us. I believe these things done out of order, can lead to the dreaded double life, which we are warned not to have. Maybe this is when some of us forgot to fear the Lord?   ⁶ "But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."- 1 Timothy 6:5-7


  Then comes the most important. If we persevere to revere Him, we will grow a mutual affection for Him and for the things and people He loves. We cannot expect to love on our own accord, for loving who God loves is only gained through our reverence and affection for Him. We need to do this, to see people and situations through His eyes. To Love is the most important command God gives us. It's what makes us different, it's what makes us a testimony of His love. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13


   In times of trial, and sorrow; joy and exuberance, we should give thanks and praise. For HE desires us to be with Him, and though we should be secure in that, we should not be comfortable. We should be forever grateful and seek to serve Him all our days in humility. We should always be searching of ways to know Him more, so we can effectively do what He calls us to do! 


Blessings :)