Currently, my family is looking at a failing economy, the threat of swine flu, a home that is falling in value. Meanwhile we try and find new marketing business for our company Billy Fire, and I am searching for teaching jobs at a time when many teachers are losing their jobs. In a land of ambition and fierce independence, it is typical to chant “If I try harder, I will do well.” Certainly trying hard is important, but it is not true that self effort is always rewarded. In fact it is sometimes the ones who work long hours, and those who strive to be fit, who loose their jobs or are afflicted with a fatal disease.

To live a good Christian life we need more than self effort.

As a Christian I must avoid giving the impression that life is more about trying hard by applying self effort than seeking and receiving God’s  power and strength. 2 Peter 1 addresses both “diligence” or effort, and the “divine power” that Christians receive from God. In verses 5-7 we are told by ‘giving all diligence” (by working hard),  add to your faith, virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self control, to self control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” Yes, we must work diligently to develop Christian virtues but if we were to read these verses out of context we might conclude that hard work and focus alone will result in the development of all of these important Christian qualities.

In fact, if we just try, try, try again without sitting at the feet of Jesus, humbly receiving His power, His grace and His love, as well as studying His word, and seeking His direction through prayer, we will fall flat. Our priority as Christians should be to receive God’s empowering presence: the Holy Spirit, continuously seeking His help and mercy, knowing that in our own strength we can do absolutely nothing.

We need to receive the gift of faith.

We become Christians when we obtain the gift of faith which enables us to put our trust in Jesus who through His sacrifice, made it possible for us to be forgiven and to be set free from spiritual darkness and the punishment that we deserve. 2 Peter 1:1 reminds us that this faith is not something that we purchase but it is obtained from God. It is precious and it is only possible for us to receive it because of what  Christ did for us when he shed His blood on the cross. A fundamental truth is that this faith cannot be earned by our own effort. Rather it is a gift thanks to Jesus’ life giving effort. 2 Peter 1: 2 explains that the precious faith is “by’, or thanks to, “the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

This faith is not weak but powerful. Peter writes that this faith is just like his own faith (verse 1) and the faith of the apostles. There are no second class Christians. We all receive a faith that can move mountains. Let’s receive it and ask for the strong faith that helps us to focus on Jesus,  knowing that only He can help us navigate the challenges that we face. With such a faith we can apply every effort to be godly, but without faith we cannot.

God calls us to Himself. We cannot become Christians through trying hard.

A living faith in Jesus is the gift of God that we receive as Christians. The Holy Spirit, God Himself in us, is the one who gives us faith and the one who sustains our faith, giving us all that we need to live godly lives. 2 Peter 2-4 reminds us that we cannot take any credit for becoming Christians as “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…” God called us to Himself.  He called us through what He achieved, through His “glory and virtue”. We can never be good enough to receive His love and forgiveness, but we can receive with love and thanks His Holy Spirit who makes it possible for us to live for Jesus in a godly way.

The Holy Spirit transforms us so that we can live good lives.

Without God’s indwelling presence we cannot have faith and without faith we cannot please God. If we have not been transformed by the Holy Spirit, becoming a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)  we are incapable of true virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance. godliness, brotherly kindness and love(2 Peter 1:5-7) even if we try very hard. These virtues will develop when we belong to Jesus and when, through faith, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. God Himself lights the fire in us to give us the diligence that we need to apply to life, to be the pure, holy people that He has called us to be. Without Jesus, our effort will glorify ourselves rather than Him.

Why can we not exhibit these Christian qualities unless we are Christ’s children, indwelled by His Spirit? Until we become Christians we are spiritually dead and slaves to sin. We are lost. Of course non Christians are capable of acts of kindness but they are not pleasing to God as the motivation is self oriented. Self control for a Christian includes standing firm for Christ whatever the opposition. Love must involve sharing the Gospel, for how can we truly love someone unless we share the great news of God’s salvation gift? How can a non Christian please God when he has no concept of Jesus?

Jesus offers us a new life. He will help us to do what is right.

Peter describes “the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (verse 4). Many are stumbling along in darkness, trying to find the way, but not possessing the power to rise above the depravity of this world. Lust and selfish ambition dominate this world and until we receive Christ’s forgiveness and the presence of His Holy Spirit we cannot do what is right. Receive the gift of life and freedom from sin that Jesus offers and enter a new life with Jesus at the center. Then you can do what is right, with His help.

If you are a Christian, do not forget that you were cleansed from your sins by Christ(verse 9). Do not turn your back on the power and love that Jesus offers. If you are not showing these Christian virtues in your life (verses 5-7) you are in a dangerous place, turning your back on your Savior, Jesus. All Christians will produce “fruit”. Their lives will show God’s love making a difference. Ask God to have mercy on you. Repent and seek His forgiveness. In this life time, it is never too late to curl up in a humble heap, crying out for God’s mercy and help. How we respond to God now will affect our eternity.

A fruitful life is proof that God is at work in you.

If when you read 2 Peter 1:5-7 you realize that your faith is not effective or fruitful, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Make “your call and election sure” by responding to Christ in obedience and diligence (verse 10). A fruitful life is proof that God’s love and power are actively equipping that person to be an effective Christian. Keep trusting, keep receiving, keep following. You are on the way to Heaven: “…an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:11)

Without Jesus empowering us we cannot please Him. Our self effort alone is hopeless. When we receive the gift of faith, through what Jesus did on the cross , we will be equipped to do what is right. To this  faith we add effort and diligence, but we must never rely on ourselves. God supplies us with the love, power and motivation that we need to please Him. What a relief! When I cry out seeking God’s help, admitting that I cannot control a situation, He will supply me with the knowledge, goodness and patience, self control, love ….(2Peter1:5-7) that I need to do His will. Jesus will encourage me as I run the race that He leads me along: the journey that will bring glory to Himself. Jesus will  lead others to worship Him, as they see how He is impacting our lives! Run the race with enthusiasm and effort but remember that God gives you the power that you need. Do not run alone!

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