(2 Peter 1:3-8) His divine power has given us everything we need for a Godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I often write about the grace and love we have in Jesus, and that we have been forgiven of our sins through Jesus Christ.  I love to dwell on the good news of what Jesus has done for us, but what do we owe him in return.  Our salvation is a gift, and Jesus has done all that is necessary for us to receive it.  All we need to do is believe.  Peter points out, “His (Jesus’) divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.”  Don’t we have an obligation in response to what Jesus has done for us?  Shouldn’t we endeavor to lead a Godly life? 

Peter thinks so because he tells us, “Make every effort to add to your faith …”  Then he gives us a list of what we are adding: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.  These qualities are all about what it means to live a Godly life.  Peter knew that these qualities don’t appear in our lives instantaneously.  That is why he said, “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure…” 

I owe it to Jesus to make every effort to lead a Godly life.  For I truly love Jesus, and I desire to be increasingly closer to him. However, I understand that I am relying on his divine power to accomplish the goal of living a Godly life.