Scripture:  2 Peter 1:10-11

10Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Observations:

Therefore:  it connects the call to keep building our character in response to God’s grace in the Gospel to diligence…

Calling and election:  The reality that God chooses us for inclusion in His Kingdom on the basis of grace through Jesus Christ and not our own merit.

Application:

The accusation against the “gracists” is that they give people excuses to sin grandly.  But here’s the deal, my sin, does not add that meaning to my life.  My sin actually points out where I have not let areas of my life be infiltrated and changed by the grace of Jesus.  The Gospel tells me that for those who receive Jesus as Lord are forgiven.  “To make my calling and election sure” means that I am making efforts to cooperate with the Spirit of the Living God so that I respond to His grace.  His grace propels me into a greater vision for life — to be like Jesus and honour Him with my life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that improvement / growth in Christ is not a means for securing my position with you.  That’s settled!  Thank you.  This mysterious choice you have made to elect, to choose, to include has changed my life.  You accepted me, and thankfully you are still working on me.  Grant me the grace to keep working with you all the days of my life.  AMEN.