Make Every Effort to Live Righteously
It is written, “The day of Yahveh (the LORD) will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it works will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10) “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming day of Yahveh…”, looking forward to what He is going to be doing. (2 Peter 3:11-12) It will be the beginning of a home of righteousness, where the holy righteous redeemed elect, who are cleansed in the blood of Yahshua (Jesus), will be welcomed.
“…That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:12-13) This is the badge of a real believer; it is nothing else. Real, faith-filled, redeemed believers of the Most High live with this hope, living righteously before the Almighty and leading others to do the same.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort; every one of your efforts has to be in the direction of being found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Yahveh (the LORD). Our efforts are not to go to the world or to ourselves; our efforts are to go toward being spotless and blameless so that we are at peace with our God and Savior. In whatever you do, in word and deed, make every effort to speak for the glory of our God and Savior, for the advancement of His kingdom, and for the salvation of other souls. When He comes you will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
If you are confessing Him with your lips while your life is fulfilling its cravings for the world and the things of the world, you will reap destruction. Every effort, every inclination of your heart has to be in the direction of holiness and blamelessness. Yahveh God destroyed Noah’s generation because every inclination of their hearts was evil. It is written, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17) We must not self-justify our sinful nature. Make every effort, every effort in word and deed, to the glory of Yahveh (the LORD); this eradicates the flesh.
Yahshua (Jesus) says, “we are to strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13) and make every effort to do so to stay on the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. We need to be a people who make our efforts in agreement with our holy God who essentially says, “If you and I are not in agreement, you cannot walk with Me.” (see Amos 3:3)
Our Savior is making every effort to beseech people to be reconciled to His Father Yahveh, the Holy One of Israel, the Creator of heaven and earth. By the anointing of the Ruach HaKodesh, the Spirit who lives in us, we are to make every effort to please the Father—to find out what pleases Yahveh (the LORD) and do it!
“Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Messiah as Master in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:13-15)
“Therefore, since Messiah has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2)
Make every effort to live for the will of Yahveh (the LORD), and in doing so you will crucify, impale, and demolish your flesh and all its desires. Let us make every effort to be found pleasing in His sight.
