2 Peter 1:1 – 13
verse 10: “……….give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall…” The things this verse is referring to are mentioned in the previous verses – divine power pertaining to a godly life partaking of the divine nature, adding to faith, virtue,knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. All the attributes of the divine nature are at my disposal to be demonstrated in my life by the mighty Son of God.
verse 10: “……..give diligence to make your calling and election sure” – My calling is from God and related to my destiny. God has called everyone who has bowed to the name of Jesus and received Him as Saviour into their lives. There was a moment when He called, we heard and came to Him, and our lives were changed forever.
Election is different to calling. When I go to cast my vote in government elections, I place a tick in the box of my choice against the name of my chosen candidate. God has placed His tick against my name to represent Him in His kingdom. I did not choose God, He chose me. I am His choice!
This passage in Peter adjures us to give diligence, special care and attention, to our calling and election. Verse 10 also says “…..if you do these things you shall never fall.” God extends to us a fail-proof place where we don’t have to fall. Of course, we will be tested and learn through our failures, but we don’t have to keep failing and falling over the same old ground.. As we humble before Him, He uses all the failures as learning curves to take us up to higher ground.
I can take stock of my life and do a reality check with the Lord. Thank God for all His faithfulness to me, His blessings, the higher ground He has lifted me to by His mercy from my failures, the lessons He has graciously and patiently taught me with His great love. When I take stock of His blessings on my life, I recall the words of Paul to restrain me from getting puffed up: 1 Cor. 4:7 “For who makes you to differ from another? What have you that you did not receive? Now, if you received it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it?”
So, as I receive from God, I have responsibility with it – to be diligent! My constant aim is higher ground as I take up the challenge: “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.”
Heavenly Father, grant us grace and mercy to see that we are , what we are, by Your grace. Make us sure and confident in You to respond to the ongoing call to higher ground with You. Amen
