"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; knowledge; self-control;  perseverance,  godliness; brotherly kindness, and  love....But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."
- 2 Peter 1:5-11

The Christian religion is not a cushion for people whose only concern is to escape the consequences of their sins. It is true, in the fullness of His mercy, Jesus issues the invitation: "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden; and I will give your rest." The Apostle states the latter in the words: "Add to your faith" We cannot add until we have faith. For "without faith it is impossible to . . .

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; knowledge; self-control;  perseverance,  godliness; brotherly kindness, and  love....But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."
- 2 Peter 1:5-11

The Christian religion is not a cushion for people whose only concern is to escape the consequences of their sins. It is true, in the fullness of His mercy, Jesus issues the invitation: "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden; and I will give your rest." The Apostle states the latter in the words: "Add to your faith" We cannot add until we have faith. For "without faith it is impossible to please God."

Virtue means courage, Knowledge is acquaintance with what the Bible teaches about God and His plan for us; Self-control, means the ability to master our feelings and appetites; perseverance (or patience) is faith accepting the cup as from the hand of God. Godliness is more than morality. It is bringing God into every part of our lives.

Christian friends, such a life is not an accident. It requires all diligence, our best efforts. With the power which the Holy Spirit grants the believing heart we may move far toward the ideal goal which God will lead us.

O grant thy touch of strength,
LORD, My given place to fill
To go any length, LORD,
To do Thy blessed will.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Never was the body a good master of the mind. Only when the mind is renewed by the Spirit can it be a good master of the body.