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. 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. 1 Peter 1:5-8
How did your day go?
What standard of measurement do you use to determine how your day went?
Or do you just live serendipity and it doesn’t matter?
In my youth, I was introduced to Benjamin Franklin and his end of day evaluation habit. Though not a Christian, he had the habit at the end of each day to review certain virtues. His chosen virtues were areas he considered important in his daily life.
History doesn’t reveal to us the depth of his spiritual relationship with God. But his focus on spiritual formation is one habit that is known. That caught my attention.
Peter writes this letter to us in a similar way. His focus is for faith-keeping Christ-followers to exercise our effort toward certain virtues. The goal of practicing these virtues is to keep us always aware of Jesus being the center of our lives.
Peter starts with the importance of acquiring knowledge. To fill our mind with everything we can about God. From Scripture to creation, everything you can learn about HIM.
Then practicing self-control in all areas of one’s life. Learning to discipline oneself in regards to food, work, relationships, desires, and attitudes. The ability to say NO to the self and follow through.
Being steadfast or unwavering. Stay focus and finish what you start. To follow through on a matter no matter how hard or cost.
Choose to be clothed in godliness. Allow God’s Spirit to influence your heart, mind, and soul. Align yourself with the Creator’s character.
When relating with others, treat them with brotherly affection. Care for them as a family member.
And above all, let love bloom. Be willing to sacrifice for another. Show them the love and grace that God bestows on you.
So, if you want a bedtime checklist to determine how your day went, why not use these verses? There are others you can also include. But when you measure your day as a Christ-follower, you are evaluating the walk with the talk.
The day may have been a physical wreck. You may be dealing with financial challenges. And of course, these you are conversing with your Lord for help. But meanwhile, you need to remind yourself that you are following the steps of your Rabbi. You want to become more and more like HIM. Thus, the day’s priority is to review how you are managing your entire kingdom. The good with the bad.
Bring it all and place it before your Savior and Lord. HE will help you carry it through. HE wants you to become the person you were created to be. It takes two; our effort, and HIS grace. Together you and HIM will make the journey more than worthwhile.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 