Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Peter 1:10-11 (New Living Translation)

10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter is writing about growing in Christ. The opposite is falling away from Christ.

The path of growth the Peter mentions in this letter is something like:

• faith
• moral excellence
• knowledge
• self-control
• patient endurance
• godliness
• brotherly affection
• love for everyone

I believe that this is not the only path, but it is a pretty good one. Consider each item for a long time. How can I better practice this? How can I better live this? I am not working my way to heaven with these steps, that is impossible. Perhaps, however, I will have a better life. Each day and each step in my walk with Christ will be better in one way or a thousand other ways.

God, I eagerly await the grand entrance into your eternal kingdom. Help me to grow with each step. Help me to bless others along the way.