2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT emphasis mine)
When I encounter a familiar passage, I try to read it again in a less familiar translation. When I do, it causes me to look at the passage with fresh eyes.
God has given me (past tense with present outcome) everything I need to live a godly life. That everything includes His power, His glory, His sacrifice, His promises — Him. A personal relationship with me. I’m not left alone. He knows my circumstances, my weaknesses, my hangups, my difficulties.
However, I don’t just get to sit back and “let it happen.” Because I know that I have Christ and His power, I must make every effort . . .it takes work. It takes decision. It takes planning.
But the outcome is wonderful. The outcome is not only purpose and missional living and outreach and discipleship — the outcome is relationship. With others. With believers. With Jesus.
And with Jesus, and His forever family, I have everything I need.
Plea for Grace 