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… (2 Peter 1:6).

No pressure.

Just, you know, now that you’re done persevering and all that stuff, go ahead and be godly.

Go on…I’ll wait…

Are you through yet?

Yeah…me neither.

Don’t fret, Beloved. Peter isn’t telling us to be godlike; he’s telling us to be godly.  There is a difference.  No need to walk on water, heal the blind, or raise the dead—not that you ought to shun the opportunity should the occasion arise.  To be godly, as I understand it, means that your life is submitted to Christ.  Your attitudes, your actions, your very thoughts, come from a place of reverence and devotion.  Your love for Christ informs every move you make.

It takes time to develop godliness.  It’s a process—a daily progression of letting go of the world and embracing God’s will.  How long does it take?  Well, it’s taken me 26 years so far.  Ask me in another 26.

You know that self-control you’re working on?  You’re going to need it.

You know the perseverance you’re learning?  You’ll be using every bit.

It won’t be easy—Peter says, “Make every effort,” not, “Just sit back, enjoy a rootbeer float, and let it happen.”  No, it won’t come easily.

But it will come.

It’s Wednesday, Beloved.  What a perfect day to grow in godliness.