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2 Peter 1:5
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,”
The last time we were in 2 Peter, we discussed a reason to go “all in” for God. Peter is beginning his description of what “all in” looks like. He begins with moral excellence.
Morality has to do with how we live. Do we live consistently with christian morals? Peter isn’t looking for a simple “yes”. He is encouraging moral excellence.
Our culture gets nervous on the topic of morality. He isn’t talking about applying moral excellence to others, but to ourselves.
It’s good for us to be moral. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “avoid every weight and sin which so easily entangles us”. Immorality is at least distracting. God has so much more for us. This imagery makes me think of an athlete. I can picture a runner going at perfect stride. Sin entangles. The runner’s shoe string untied and is interfering. Not just with the stride, but mentally. He’s aware that it’s untied and anticipating the next “step on”.
The runner would benefit with a double knot. Don’t even allow a possibility of an untie. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Try to avoid anything that might distract or entangle us.
Lord, thank You that You assist us with this. You want us to be morally excellent. Help us to avoid the snares.