“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:10-11
A few months ago, my daughter and her husband gave me a book, “Putting Things in Order.” Life is uncertain, we do not know what tomorrow holds. We must have our financial records organized, our wills up to date, and computer passwords, and other information all in one place, so that if something happens to us, our loved ones will know exactly where everything is. This can save them extra time and worry.
But there is something far more important to consider, whether we are young or old. Peter advises us in the verse we have chosen to “make our calling and election sure.” We need to be certain that we have repented of our sins and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. Peter tells us in verse three that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness, but we must avail ourselves of it. He goes on to instruct us to add to our faith:
- Virtue
- Knowledge
- Temperance
- Patience
- Godliness
- Brotherly kindness
Verse 8: “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.”
The material things we may have acquired in this world, the successes we have achieved, and the friends we have collected will mean nothing when our time comes to leave this world. We cannot take any of it with us. But if we have gained the qualities that Peter has listed in this chapter, “an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
As important as it is to have our affairs organized for our loved ones, it is far more important that we have made all the necessary preparations for entering our eternal home.
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, search our hearts today, cleanse us from anything that is not pleasing to you so that we are ready when you call us home.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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