Peter began his second letter by telling us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3). He then includes godliness in his short list of the Christian virtues we are to develop (2 Pet. 1:6-7). Remember that godliness means deep reverence for God, or sacred awe. The more we learn of God, the greater should our sense of godliness be. Our whole life depends on God (Acts 17:28). He grants our existence and sustenance, and we look to him in hope of eternity in heaven. The wise man wrote, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole [duty] of man” (Eccles. 12:13). The word “duty” is supplied by translators. Solomon is stating that living for God must be the whole of mankind’s reason for existence. Such is the message of the book of Ecclesiastes.
Life without God is empty and meaningless. Life with godliness honors God and gives us true fulfillment. What keeps us going? Surely it is the knowledge that the Creator loves us and seeks to be loved by us (1 John 4:19). He lavishes affection and blessings on us. He even gave his One and Only Son to pay the penalty for our sins (John 3:16). We should be awe-struck at God’s goodness and grace. How can we but love him? How can we but serve him?
Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
