SCRIPTURE
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these things he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-11
SPOTLIGHT
Have you set any spiritual goals for yourself, and then made a plan outlining how to achieve them. This activity could greatly increase your spiritual growth. But remember, goal setting must be followed by disciplined action. Most New Year’s resolutions fail because people fail to implement a plan of action to fulfill the resolution. Someone said, “A goal is a dream with a deadline.”
Would you like to know the most important spiritual goal you can set for yourself? In the Apostle Peter’s second letter, he is concerned about Christians pursuing Godliness. In his first letter, he was writing to Christians who had been facing persecution and suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. Now a new problem had arisen with false teachers, and preachers proclaiming untrue things concerning Christ and living a Godly life.
We learn 2 things about SETTING SPIRITUAL GOALS in 2 Peter 1:3-11:
#1. Peter quickly states in verses 3, and 4, that Godly living should be the #1 goal of all believers. That is not a difficult goal to achieve because God’s divine power in us is everything we need to live a Godly life. We do not have to try to be Godly in our own strength when we realize God has provided everything we need to become Godly.
#2. In verses 5-11, Peter offers further instruction about SETTING SPIRITUAL GOALS. He lists smaller spiritual goals that all believers should set for themselves by saying, “…make every effort to add…” We are called by God to direct our sights, activate our wills, and direct our energy toward becoming more like Jesus Christ by focusing on 8 qualities. The goals are set out, making the plan clear.
There are 2 reasons you may have difficulty living a Godly life. You forget that there is God’s part, and then there is your part. God lives within you to empower you, but you must set spiritual goals. Godly living is possible. God, plus you, equals a majority. You can live a life that reflects your love for Jesus Christ!
George Frederick Handel must have set spiritual goals to do what he accomplished as a composer. He certainly reflected his love for Jesus Christ when he composed “The Messiah.” It is said that for 23 days he withdrew from the world and immersed himself in his music. When food was brought to him it was often left uneaten. Handel was asked to describe what happened when he felt the “Hallelujah Chorus,” was birthed in his spirit and mind. He said, “I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God Himself.”
A friend of Handel once found him sobbing greatly with tears as he was trying to set the words found in Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised” to music. But Handel’s spiritual goals were almost lost when the great musician lost his health. His right side became paralyzed. He spent all his money, and his creditors seized and threatened to imprison him. Tragedy had brought great discouragement, but Handel added to his faith, and went on to compose his greatest work, “The Hallelujah Chorus,” which is a part of “The Messiah.”
SETTING SPIRITUAL GOALS will lead you to lead a Godly life, which will greatly influence your world. The world awaits believers, just like you, to follow in the steps of George Frederic Handel.
SOMETHING TO DO
Study the above Scripture passage. List 8 character traits Peter directs us to strive for. Beside each one write your personal definition of that word. Focus on one of them each day of the week. [On your day off you can concentrate on 2]. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to do something that day to see more of that trait in your life.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your divine power to become more like You, Godly in nature. Today, I choose to surrender my all to You. Build into my life more faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, mutual affection, and love. All of these express Your character. I want more of You in me. AMEN!