A Biblical Roadmap for Godly Living
Have you ever wished you had been given a roadmap to help you make good decisions for a successful life? Step-by-step instructions on what I needed to do to have a prosperous life would have been fantastic. Many people can think of a mentor who provided wise advice, but I can’t say I ever had someone who walked me through life’s decisions.
Recently, I read 2 Peter 1:3-7. It was a great example of the roadmaps God provides for His children in the Bible. In this passage, Peter explains that God, in His divine power, has given us knowledge of Him that equips us with everything we need to live a godly life.
Each quality Peter lists in this passage builds on the one before it, forming a spiritual progression rather than isolated traits. We are told that Jesus is the author and perfector of faith (Heb 12:2). We have become children of God through the salvation He has provided, and He has given us the ability to believe.
In verse 5, building on our faith that He provides, we are told to add virtue. Theological virtues are those we have because of our position in Christ. Along with faith, these virtues include hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
We are then told to supplement our virtue with knowledge. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but an intimate, relational knowledge of Jesus that we gain through Scripture.
From our knowledge, we are to grow in self-control. Self-control consists of moderation and self-restraint, the restraint of passions and desires to focus on behaviors that serve God and others.
Self-control is complemented by steadfastness. Steadfastness, or perseverance, is being firm and unwavering in your devotion to Christ and in living for Him. It is persevering over a period. Additionally, being steadfast means enduring difficult circumstances without giving up, trusting in the hope we have in Christ.
Our steadfastness is strengthened by godliness, a life focused on God and His priorities. Perseverance is necessary for a truly fruitful and effective life, as godliness reflects God’s character rather than our own definition of goodness.
We are to add brotherly affection to our godliness. A life centered on God naturally turns outward toward others. Brotherly affection motivates us to act in ways that help and support fellow believers, recognizing one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Finally, the pinnacle of these qualities is love. We are to supplement our brotherly affection with love. The love described here is agape, a selfless, sacrificial concern for others. In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul lists essential virtues and identifies love as the greatest.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that God has provided me with the answers I need to live a meaningful life. These verses outline a straightforward process that glorifies God and makes us useful to Him.
Although I’ve read the Bible throughout much of my life, I did not always treat it as the source of wisdom it truly is. Had I done so, I could have utilized this roadmap at a much younger age.