The older I get, the more I am focused on eating healthy, exercising and trying to take better care of my body, mind, soul and spirit. For so much of my life I had not focused on healthy eating.
Reading a chapter or two in my Bible each day has also been another way to strengthen my body, mind, soul and spirit.
Recently I read through 2 Peter, and I could tell they were unread pages in my Bible. I was blown away by what I read in 2 Peter 1. It says it all. I’m quoting straight from the Bible.
The passage in my Bible is entitled “Confirm Your Calling and Election.”
His divine power has granted to us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with
- Virtue, and virtue with
- Knowledge, and knowledge with
- Self-control, and self-control with
- Steadfastness, and steadfastness with
- Godliness, and godliness with
- Brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with
- Love. (I added the numbers for emphasis of 7 supplements).
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. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.–2 Peter 1:3-8 ESV.
Isn’t that amazing? How straightforward can it get? Just like I consume daily multi-vitamins and supplements to boost my immune system and health, the Lord provides seven supplements for us to increase our faith.
1.Virtue, like integrity;
2. Knowledge to keep learning, reading, listening to podcasts;
3. Self-control, like discipline (which is also a Fruit of the Holy Spirit);
4. Steadfastness to persevere;
5. Godliness in an effort to try to sin less and be more like Jesus;
6. Brotherly affection, being kind to everyone; and
7. LOVE. God is love. The Great Commandment is to Love God and Love each other.
May we live out every day with our seven supplements of faith. You Shine! Love you.
Reflect:
How are you living out these supplements of faith today? Too hard? Easy?
Danya Jordan