NURTURING OUR SPIRITUALITY

2 Peter 1:5 "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

We must invest time and energy in the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of our lives. This is needed in order to live balanced lives. If any aspect is neglected, the consequences can be dire.

Our verse of focus is instructive, as it speaks specifically to the nurturing of our spiritual lives. The Apostle Peter admonishes that we give much diligence, much attention, to our spirituality, which is our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 informs us that without faith, it is impossible to please God'.

Faith is the entry point of our spiritual journey. Faith is trusting God at every point. As we grow in faith, we add another component, which is virtue. What is virtue?

It is a moral quality or a habitual, firm disposition that we allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate within us. As a result, we  determine to live in accordance with God's will, submitting our decision-making  to Him.

Our virtuous or moral living, which is added to our faith, pleases God and motivates others to do the same. The verse concludes with the adding of knowledge to faith and virtue. 'Knowledge is power'. Knowledge is being  acquainted with facts and with Truth. John 17:17 tells us that God's Word is Truth.

Knowing God's Word is our compass for living. It gives us accurate directions. It is the 'GPS' - 'God's Positioning System' for man's existence. Without it we are lost, groping in darkness, that is,  living purposeless lives.