We are still checking our spiritual “vital signs” in the closing verses of this classic passage to make sure that we have the faith of God's elect. Virtuous living is vitally important. It is not enough to have these seven virtues “in” us – they must “abound” in us (v. 8). “Faith alone saves us, but the faith that saves is never alone.” It is always accompanied by the evidence of a changed life. Where there is the foundation of a living faith, there will be fruit.
The assurance of our true condition before God is affected by our diligent cultivation of these virtues. Spiritual nearsightedness causes us to “stall” spiritually and to be unable to see what God has done and is doing in our lives. It robs believers of their assurance. We simply can't afford to be lacking in these seven Christ-like virtues!
Yes, “it will be worth it all when we Jesus,” and He rewards us. It will be worth it all to have cultivated these essential virtues. We must “give diligence” to doing so if we would be kept from stumbling here and receive the “well done” of the Master hereafter.
Are we in earnest about developing these qualities that truly set Christians apart? Are we living a life worthy of our calling?
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Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...