Exert Yourselves

Devotional: Elizabeth Elliot

The vigor of our response reveals how much we
care about something. If a man is stung by a bee,
he cares. It takes very little time for him to
respond. When taxes are raised, howls of
complaint follow rather quickly. The winner of a
state lottery presents himself without delay.

Salvation is a free gift. It includes everything
that makes for life and godliness, here and
hereafter. What is it worth? It's beyond
calculation, priceless. We share in the very
being of God. Um hmm, we say. How do we get it?
Oh--by faith. Yes. Very simple. Accept Jesus. The
price is all paid. My sins are forgiven. I'm on
the "Hallelujah Train."

All true. That is the gospel. But that is not
all. Gifts must be received, possessed, and
fostered. God's choice and calling, we must
clinch. This is an aspect of the gospel which
many Christians (Protestants in particular) have
overlooked. The apostle Peter writes, "Exert
yourselves to clinch God's choice and
calling....Thus you will be afforded full and
free admission into the eternal kingdom" (2 Pt
1:10, 11 NEB). How do I "exert myself"? Peter
tells us: "Try your hardest to supplement your
faith with virtue (right action and thinking),
virtue with knowledge, knowledge with
self-control, self-control with fortitude," etc.
(2 Pt 1:5-7). Check that passage. It is still
true that nothing can wash away my sin but the
blood of Jesus. It is also true that God gives us
responsibility--that is, the obligation to
respond. How much do we care? The vigor of our
response will reveal how much.