Diligent

Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 2 Peter 1:10 AMP

Diligent in Greek here: σπουδάζω (spoo-dad’-zo) properly, be swift (go fast, be speedy); (figuratively) to move speedily by showing full diligence (fully applying oneself); acting fervently (speedy commitment) to accomplish all that God assigns through faith (“His inbirthed persuasion”). Accordingly, (spoudázō) and faith (pístis) are directly linked (see Eph 4:3-5; 2 Tim 4:7-9). This is our directive through Peter via the Holy Spirit. This is NOT a slothful / ambivalent attitude but one of focus and determination. This is a forward moving effort in spite of the obstacles, pain, and difficulties. This requires us to activate the ‘faith’ God has given each of us who trust Him. This final letter from Peter is remarkable and very forthright. Peter isn’t as hard to understand as Paul, and even Peter mentions many who ‘twist Paul’s words’ to their own destruction. I think of Peter knowing these would be his last words to the ‘family of God’ he knew. What would you want to say to your family as your last words?

Do you live a diligent life in pursuit of God? Where is your time invested?

I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries. Proverbs 8:17-21

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food. Isaiah 55:1-2

The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. John 6:54-56

Soon we all will be meeting the King of Kings. What will He say to you? Now is the day. Now is the moment you have to invest … and give to Him. Are you focused on listening to Him? Are you seeking His plan for you today? Are you looking for those divine appointments today?

In the light of eternity – what is valuable? What is worthwhile? What is lasting?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-11

Lift your face and turn to Him. Speak to Him words of gratefulness and thanksgiving from your heart.

Father … I worship YOU! Jesus … I praise YOU! Holy Spirit I invite YOU!