Make Every Effort: Peter's Fervent PleasSample

Day 9: Perseverance Blossoms into Godliness

The more we are with Christ and in Christ, persevering through all kinds of circumstances, the more we will reflect the One we adore. Second Corinthians 3:18 says: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirt.”

We’ve all been told growing up, that we need to avoid the “wrong” crowd because they will get us into trouble. It’s true–we become like those we hang out with, and so the more time we spend with Jesus, in His presence, through His Word, in prayer and praise, in fellowship with others who passionately love Jesus, the more we become like Him. Godliness is entirely too wonderful for us to comprehend.

Scripture tells us in 1 Timothy 3:16 that: “the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”

As the Psalmist said in Psalm 139:6: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”

Certainly, it is beyond our comprehension, but godliness builds into us and becomes part of who we are as we continue to spend time with Jesus Christ. We make every effort to remain in Christ, and He does the work in us to make us godly. Second Peter 1:3-4: “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 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.”

This was the very premise upon which Peter began his “make every effort” pleas. Godliness is never a means to gain something for ourselves or impress others. It is simply a beautiful side effect to continually enjoying the presence of Jesus in our lives, and as Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:6: “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Reflection: When others observe our lives, will they recognize that we’ve been with Jesus? We can’t work up godliness, and we can’t fake it (although many try). But oh the beauty of a life lived in the presence of Jesus! So, what happens in our lives when godliness describes us? Enjoy the next lesson to find out.