The Pursuit of Christ-Like Excellence

A few years ago, a former U.S. Secretary of Education wrote "The Book of Virtues". It was widely acclaimed and adorned the coffee tables of even many fundamental Christian homes. Then the news broke in 2003 that this man was a compulsive gambler, losing millions in Las Vegas. His obvious hypocrisy caused an immediate disdain for his book.

Second Peter chapter one is all about “virtue,” but we need not fear that its author might turn out to be a hypocrite! The Apostle Peter has now finished his earthly course, and he didn't apostatize or have a moral failure. In fact, he wrote his second epistle shortly before his death (2:14).

Peter is concerned that his readers scattered around the world, learn the secret of growing “in the grace and knowledge” of Jesus Christ (3:18). In the first chapter he gives a composite portrait of a mature Christian. A believer who has no interest or appetite for the essential virtues he lists there needs to check up to make sure that he has the saving faith upon which they are built. This is the reason for Peter's closing instruction in this passage – “Wherefore… brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (v. 10). The proof of faith's reality is the virtue it produces in the life of the believer.

Have you yet crafted a “purpose statement” for your life? We should daily remind ourselves of the reason God has left us here, and periodically assess how well we are fulfilling that purpose. If we want to be virtuous, we can't tackle the list of character qualities that Peter gives in piece-meal fashion. We must be committed to Christlikeness. “Christ must have your heart, if He is to transform your character” (Jim Berg).