When I think of diligence, being stable, patient and strong come to my mind. I guess that's why it's so hard to go on a diet, or quit smoking or to start exercising. We know if we veer off the path, we won't make it and our attempts will be futile.

As a teacher in the Word, I sometimes repeat my messages because I feel there is something that the Holy Spirit wants me to say because some are not diligently preparing themselves for their victorious Christian walk. It's not that I'm totally victorious either, but I do keep striving to learn more and understand this walk that I've commited myself to. It takes constant reminding of what God says and expects from me. So, therefore in order for the body of Christ to grow as one, we must all make a conscious effort to dig our heels into God's instructions and live by them or else, we will be lacking in faith, strength, trust and even God's grace in our lives.

God knew we would all have spiritual battles so He gave us the full armor to put on for these battles. If we don't use them we will surely fall in the fight. You can read more about them in Ephes. 6. I go over these weapons occasionally because we all need reminded of them.

But, along with knowing about the armor, we must not only be ready spiritualy for the battle at hand, but we must also get prepared ahead of time with diligence to know that the battles will come. No one will escape the grip of the enemy. This is a given fact for all Christians and non Christians alike. But the ones who are walking close with the Lord are the ones he targets out to destroy first.

In his letter to warn the people about false prophets and teachers in Second Peter, Peter knew he was about to be killed for his belief in the Christ. He wanted to warn other Christians about their duties to remain strong in their beliefs as well.

He starts out by stating that we have all been given the Grace of God, His favor and His peace, which is for our well being, it's necessary and good for all spiritual prosperity. His Grace frees us from fears and moral conflicts. He says that God's Grace will be multiplied in us through His correct and precise knowledge. (2 Pt. 2:2)

God Himself bestows all of His attributes on us which are pefect and suited to live a life of godliness because He gives us the knowledge of Himself and has called us for His own glory, virtue and excellence. (2 Pt. 2:3)

In the next verse, Peter says that God bestowed on us His great promises in order to escape moral decay and corruption in this world. People tend to go astray because of greed, and sexual immorality. So, God gave us His knowledge of knowing His divine nature to save us from eternal damnation. (2 Pt. 2:4)

As a result, we should be diligent in seeking His godliness in our own lives. This takes every effort in developing our virtue. This is our resolution, our excellence and takes all our Christian energy to achieve. So in other words, it takes alot of time and effort on our part to grow in knowledge of God's Word. (2 Pt. 2:5)

Once we become familiar with God's ways, we then have to take some steps to succeed in our growing knowledge, it doesn't end there. Next we need to develop our self control. We can no longer do the foolish things we once did and not be convicted. We need to be prudent and wise. When we put that to use, we develop patience and endurance. By being patient in waiting for things we will grow stronger that God is the One who supplies all our needs when we truly need them. Then we exercise those things in order to develop in godliness. This shows the world that we are set apart, we aren't like them anymore. (2 Pt. 2:6)

Peter continues by saying that with this godliness, we can't help but develop affection for others. This will in turn cause us to exercise our Christian love. This is what truly sets us apart from the world. Those who live for themselves can't fathom what it would be like to put someone else ahead of themselves. Face it, that just doesn't happen unless someone has been given the knowledge of God first. (2 Pt. 2:7)

It's wonderful news that when we exercise and use these virtues, they will begin to increase in us day by day. We get stronger because we have built up those muscles, not physical but spiritual ones. By being strong in these things, we will not fall idle into the hands of the enemy. We can't help but produce the good fruits that come from being strong in knowing God's Word. All these things I just mentioned will make us trustworthy, patient and kind, we will love our neighbors as ourselves and this is what God considers to be a true Christian. (2 Pt. 2:8)

For whoever does not display these qualities is blind as far as their spiritual sight goes. This person will only see what is right in front of him, which is the world and he will soon forget what Christ did for him on the Cross. This spiritual blindness will lead to a major backslide into the world. (2 Pt. 2:9)

Peter tells us that for this reason we must be all that much more eager to strengthen ourselves, to be diligent in our calling and our election. Remember, God chose us for His own. By being determined in knowing and doing these things, we will not stumble and fall. God has promised to be by our side in all our battles. (2 Pt. 2:10)

And glory be to God because when we run our race to the diligent end, we will gain entrance into His eternal kingdom because we were strong and diligent and never looked back or listened to the lies that the enemy tried to tell us.

It's alot of work, but as the saying goes anything worth doing is. It will bring much more than personal satisfaction, it will bring God glory and it will touch others along the way and will inspire them also. We all need to set examples.

In order to be able to truly love others, we must have a heart of obedience to God.