As believers, our daily goal should be spiritual maturity, which means daily growing and changing to become more like Christ.
God has done His part. (We have His presence, power, and provision)
Are we doing our part? (Our devotion, discipline, and diligence)
2 Peter 1:5-12 - 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. (ESV)
Notice the text:
- Make every effort
- Yours and increasing
- Be all the more diligent
- Confirm your calling and election
- For if you practice these qualities
If we are going to PROGRESS in the Christian life, we need to check our heart every day. Here are a few questions we need to work through on a regular basis.
Do I spend daily time in the Bible and in prayer? Do I meditate on the things of the Lord throughout the day?
Do I enjoy corporate worship within the body of Christ? Is my church attendance consistent? Am I involved with a group of believers that are encouraging me to grow and change daily?
Have my thoughts been pure? Do I expose myself to things that are not holy and pleasing to the Lord?
Have I been completely above reproach in my financial dealings? Is my giving to the Lord’s Church a direct reflection of His daily provision and blessings upon my life?
Have I spent quality relationship time with my family and friends?
Do I do 100% of my best at my job, school, and etc?
Have I told any half-truths or outright lies, putting myself in a better light than those around me?
Have I tried to encourage someone with the message of Christ this week? Do I regularly invite people to church? When was the last time I told someone my STORY?
Have I taken care of my body through physical exercise which includes proper eating and sleeping habits?
Have I allowed any person or circumstances to rob me of my joy?
Am I actively serving the Lord with my life? Is my life making a difference to those around me?
Is my greatest desire in life to live for and please the Lord? Is living for the glory of God what motivates my thought and decision-making process?