The Gift Of Godliness

As I was reflecting this morning on my devotional scripture in 2 Peter 1:1-11, I found myself thinking especially about verse 3 that says "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness , through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." I mean, come on . . . doesn't that just jazz you to think that God has already given us everything we need to live a life of Godliness? I laugh at myself when I think of the many times I have, with all earnestness cried out to God to make me godly. Now, I just think . . . duhhhh . . .well hello Gayle, you've had that all along.

So, if I've had everything I needed to live a godly life, why do I struggle so much in being godly????? Hmmm, I think the answer lies in the following verse that says by His promises I can be a partaker in a divine nature. Well, my nature isn't very divine. If I have any wonder about that I just need to examine my behavior in the long lines at Walmart, especially when I've finally made my way, in position, just behind the person currently checking out, and find they need a price check . . . Nope, the rolling of my eyes and tisking of my tongue surely are not signs of representing Christ well, in godliness!! Nor, are my displays of ungodliness that I demonstrate on the freeway . . . hmmm, so what is the answer? How can I actually live into that godliness that is apparently lurking somewhere inside?

Verse 5 says "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in you moral excellence, knowledge . . ." UGH! Here's that diligence word again, and yep, therein lies my answer. In order to fully live into that godliness, I must exercise diligence in my faith supply. We each have a faith supply, always enough for whatever we will encounter in life. If I face each event in my life that requires faith, with diligence; meaning staying with it, pressing in through prayer, continually in faith UNTIL resolution comes, then, as the following verses show one tremendous attribute of godliness after another is added to my life. the last (vs 7) "love" the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated to all humanity in laying down His life for another. That kind of love is only achieved when we practice a life of diligence in our faith supply, and that we CAN do! Oh, it doesn't come easily, we have to work at it. We have to be intentional about being diligent.

I'm working at it, how about you!