2 Corinthians 3
It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God. – Vs 5 NLT
What a timely reminder. My only power and success comes from God. Not from me. I can't produce anything of lasting value by myself. Oh, I try. Every day I attempt to do things in my own power and strength. But the long-term results are less-than-stellar. In fact, there are no long-term results of any lasting value. God is the source behind anything I produce that is of value. But it is so easy to forget that fact. I can begin to believe my own PR. I can become a victim of my own reputation. I start to believe what others think and say about me. But Paul reminds me that it isn't about me. It's about God and His Son Jesus Christ. It is they who made me, saved me, are sanctifying me, and empowering me to live a godly life.
As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature. So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. – 2 Peter 1:3-7 NLT
God has given me all the resources I need to live a godly life. I find the power I need in the truth of the Gospel message, where I find His promises for not only eternal life, but for this life. "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8 NIV). A life of godliness holds promise for this life – right here, right now. I don't have to wait for heaven! Paul reminds me, "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need" (Philippians 4:13 NLT). The strength I need comes from Him. The power I need comes from Him. The godliness I desire comes from Him. Anything of value that comes from my life is a result of Him.
And every day I am being transformedincreasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ – through the indwelling power of God. "And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more" (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).
Father, thank You that my adequacy comes from You and not me. Never let me forget that I am completely dependent on You for what I need for life and godliness. You are at work in me, transforming me into the likeness of Your Son. Any progress I see is a result of Your work, not mine. Any glimmer of godliness in me is the work of Your Spirit, not my own effort. My power and success comes completely from You. Amen