10 Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by [f]doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 1 Peter 1:10 AMP
I love this version because it spells out so clearly what Peter is saying to believers. Your behavior is the test of your relationship with God. Peter spells out the behaviors in verses 5-7, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love! And then he affims that when you continue to grow in these things you will not stumble spiritually.
When I trip over a rock and am tempted to stumble, I must grab hold of which virtue applies and hold on tight to move forward in my calling (faith) in Christ. The evidence of these virtues in my daily walk will be a witness to others of the Christ-light in me. Others will be drawn to that light and want to join me in that walk. None of these virtues are perfected in me yet, but as I continue to walk in His light and increase in my knowledge of Him daily, I find I want to be more like Him and grow in self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love! These are the virtues that will enable me to be a blessing to others.
Dear Jesus, I see Your face and hear Your voice calling me repeatedly to be a blessing and leave the results to You. Holy Spirit, only you can convict and call to repentance. Only You can correct and open the eyes of the spiritually blind. My responsibility is to BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE TODAY, not in my own strength, but Yours! Father, help me to live not in my weakness, but Your strength and power!!
Journey with Joyce 