“Wherefore, the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure—for, if you do these things, you shall never fall.”
II Peter 1:10
It’s only by His Grace that we enter in—and it’s only by His Grace that we endure and make sure.
Security and stability.
That’s what folks are looking for, even though so often they’re looking to the wrong people and in the wrong places to find them. Yet, today’s Manna reminds us that those precious “commodities,” which are so essential to “soul serenity,” are only found in Christ.
Nothing—or no one—can “cleanse our conscience from dead works so we can serve the living God;” only Jesus’ Blood can do that (Heb. 9:14). Likewise, no amount of health or life insurance. . .alarms and security systems. . .high walls and windows with bars. . .can give a good night’s rest; only the firm mattress of God’s Promises and the loving arms of the Lord Jesus can do that. Hallelujah!!
Yet, it’s not enough to know that we’ll go to Heaven when we die—for such knowledge is a “fringe benefit” of faith. Instead, as the Apostle Paul said, we must “work out (Grk. ‘katergazomai’—‘accomplish, finish, toil, labor for, etc.’) our own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12), which is a “fleshing out” of our faith or a “proving and purifying” of our faith, which so often happens on the “anvil of adversity” and “fiery furnaces” (I Pet. 1:6-7).
That’s why the Apostle Peter said “give diligence (Grk. ‘spoudazo’—‘be prompt or earnest, endeavor, labor, study, dispatch with eagerness and earnestness, etc.’) to make your calling and election sure (Grk. ‘bebaios’—‘firm, steadfast, stable, etc.’).” This is not a “doubting” of our faith; it is a “discerning” of it—or, in building terms, a periodic examination of the foundation to ensure that no cracks have formed.
And, how is this accomplished?
Quite simply, by daily prayer and Bible study.
Doing what you’re doing right now even as you read these words.
Such faith becomes victorious faith. By “hiding God’s Word in your heart,” you are learning how to not “sin against Him” (Ps. 119:11). You are becoming a “workman that needs not to be ashamed” because you’re learning how to “correctly use God’s Word” (II Tim. 2:15).
The more you “grow in God’s Grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3:18a), the stronger you’ll become in your service to Him. And, the less apt you are to fall for the “wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11), which will make your faith firm and your footing secure. Glory!! May the Holy Spirit help you today to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Then, may He grant you His “Heavenly wisdom” that will enable you to be “pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and without hypocrisy as the fruit of righteousness grows up within you as a peacemaker” (James 3:17-18).
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 18, 2010
