“Be even more diligent” (2 Peter 1:10)
June 3, 2021
Diligence is “a steady application in righteousness of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industry; assiduity.” (King James Dictionary)
Apostle Saint Peter thought about diligence in his epistle; “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love; For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-11)
Human beings shall have the will and the effort to be diligent for we become orthodox Christians through the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ. Accordant Saint Peter said, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are es¬tablished in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. (2 Peter 11-14)
The Apostle added saying, “Moreover, I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; (2 Peter 14-19)
Saint Peter articulated more earnestly to ministers who are diligent with prayer, fasting, religion, and Christian conduct, but who struggling in various trials and temptations. Occasionally, we may find that our ministry is a mere figment of our imagination; some days we even doubt whether we can have prayed daily prayers.
The Apostle Peter also exhorts those who persevere in the Christian life to pray, worship, give alm, and persevere in their faith and ministry. Though our present faith, religion and Christian conduct are eminent and keenly aware, it reminds us to be more diligent today than ever before.
Since religion has two aspects, believing and being trusted must be done by acknowledging and practicing it which includes all aspects of Christian demeanors. One who has faith must also be aware the necessity of must fulfilling both; the existence of God can also be understood by believing and trusting.
It does not matter if we are religious or ethical unless it is accompanied by knowledge in addition to our goodness. But most people these days, lacking in sincerity and spirituality, strive hard to destroy Holy Church. A person could not be good and ignorant because a religion without knowledge is foolishness. Knowledge without religion is madness.
With knowledge comes self-control; we share our knowledge with others without despising others. If we are to be over proud of our knowledge it is as if we like the Devil, who was cursed for his disobedience to God.
Self-control requires diligence; our virtue, self-control and other virtues should not be temporary. We must endure in faith and diligence until our death. In this way we can imitate God. To imitate God means to suffer for His love bearing the cross.
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the way of our salvation. We shall bare all the pain and agony for He suffered and was crucified giving His life for His our eternity.
Saint Peter further uttered increase brotherly love is for we shall unconditional love of God and strength; for love is above all law.
Worldly life is worthless and no Christians shall oblige to it. We need to live through Christian’s demeanor and heritages are good. Our deeds are worthless if it is not bound by love and so it is crucial to be more diligent in recognizing all that is missing.
Glory to God!