Bible Ballistics: BBs #631   #2 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness???

An Edited Repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #12

 

As we continue with the physical side of being “ready” as well as the spiritual side, we’ll consider the 2^nd of our 5 D’s:  Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence.

DILIGENCE– “Careful and persistent work or effort”.

To be “ready” for Jesus’ return, we must be careful in our walk and persistent in our loyalty and obedience to God each day.  Proverbs 4:23 says:

“Keep thy heart 

with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life..”

Our heart is the seat of our emotions, our desires, and hence our life.  If you don’t guard your heart, no one else will.  It takes continual “work or effort” to truly guard your heart.  Do it –it will determine your present and future!!!

Peter tells us how we can keep our hearts right with God and others in 2 Peter 1:4-6:

“Whereby are given unto us 

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these 

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust. 

5 And beside this,

giving all diligence,

add to your faith 

virtue;

and to virtue 

knowledge;

6 And to knowledge 

temperance;

and to temperance 

patience;

and to patience 

godliness;” 

As we guard our hearts and draw near to God, learning from Him and His Word, we will be developing the character traits of the One whom we love—God our Father, and Jesus His Son, through the power of His Holy Spirit. Looking into HIS mirror! (See Ja. 1:25)

Jude also calls believers not to take their faith for grated but to “contend” for it—in its truth and power!  It’s this same power that Paul told us to “be strong in” as we put on our armor of God! (See Ephesians 6:10-19)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence 

to write unto you of the common salvation,

it was needful for me to write unto you,

and exhort you

that ye should earnestly contend

for the faith 

which was once delivered

unto the saints.”   Jude 1:3

Are you paying attention?  Are you ready?  Will you be diligent to walk God’s way?   When He comes will you be caught off guard and be ashamed in His presence?  Or will you hear “Well done” because you have been diligently growing in the 6 things Peter names.  I encourage each of us to keep looking up, walking in obedience, and living like He’s coming today—He could!!!  And remember—Debt free & Diligent.  Amen!!!