Cultivating A Godly Character!

Scripture Text: "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and virtue knowledge; And knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 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 1:5-8 (KJV)

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It was Derek Prince who said,

God is more concerned with our character than with our achievements. Achievements have importance only in the realm of time. Character is eternal. It determines what we will be through eternity.

Presently, as followers of Christ, one of the greatest aspirations of believers should be to reflect the character of our Lord in their lives.

We should desire to cultivate a godly character that is pleasing to our Maker and also beneficial to those around us.

In the scripture text (2 Peter 1:5-8), the apostle Peter provides a roadmap for how we can grow and develop such a character.

Peter in his teaching, began by urging believers to give all diligence in adding to their faith various virtues.

This is to say, you need to be deliberate, put effort and commitment into pursuing after spiritual growth.

"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." - Acts 20:32

The process of cultivating a godly character is not passive but requires our active participation, as we also cooperate with the Holy Spirit that is at work in our lives.

The sequence outlined by Peter starts with faith, the foundation of our Christian walk. And from that point, he goes on to encourage the believers to add virtue.

He talks about about the spirit of excellence and integrity. Which is followed by knowledge, this underscores the believers' need to grow or deepen their insight into God's Word and ways.

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." -Galatians 6:15

Next, Peter highlights the need for temperance, in a believer's life which means you need self-control and moderation in all areas of your life.

This aspect is very essential in our lives because it will enable the believer to maintain balance and avoid extremes.

Patience is then emphasized, thereby teaching the believers to endure trials and hardships with steadfastness and perseverance.

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." - Hebrews 10:36

As we continue to grow, Peter in the text urges us to add godliness to our character. This entails your need for reverence and devotion to God, as well as your desire to live in accordance with His will.

Godliness is demonstrated when you live a life that is surrendered to God's purpose and when you seek to honor Him in all things.

"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." -1 Timothy 4:7

Furthermore, Peter emphasizes to the church, the importance of brotherly kindness, he also encourages the believers on the need to love and care for one another within the body of Christ.

Finally, he concludes with charity, or love, which is the apex of all the Christian virtues.

Love in other words is the distinguishing mark of our discipleship and the fulfillment of the law.

Also, in the verses he assures us that if these qualities are present and increasing in our lives, We will become more fruitful and effective in our knowledge of the Word.

When you live in a godly character you will not only bring glory to God but also bear witness to the power of His grace.

Beloved! As you meditate on these verses, also examine your heart and life. Ask God to cultivate within you these virtues outlined by Peter.

I pray that you will give all diligence to grow in godliness, with the belief that you will become increasingly conformed to the image of Christ and bear fruit that lasts for eternity.

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN:: I thank you because of your purpose to make me like you are, thank you for reenacting your nature and life back to me.

Father, IJN: Enable me to continue going after Your Word that builds up godly virtues and character in the believers' lives.

Father, IJN: By the power in the name of Jesus, I come to renounce every form of ungodly living calling my attention to this corrupt world.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God," - Hebrews 6:1 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Cultivating a Godly character isn't just a call unto discipleship but a continual fellowship with the Son.

Like a vine tree shows it's ripped fruits, you must manifest the God kind of life that is in the Son.

This life is a choice, it depends solely on the hearer to receive and believe the gospel of salvation.

So, be determined not only to walk , but work daily with Jesus to learn of him.