Remember these things

 The Apostle Peter reminds believers in the letter 2 Peter 1.12 "(not to be) negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."

In other words "remember these things."  What things? His power, 1.3.  Knowledge of Him, 1.4. Great and precious promises, 1.4. Virtues in the Believers daily walk, 1.5-7. Making ones "calling and election sure," 1.10, that is, do you have the hope of Him to gain entrance to His heavenly kingdom?

Peter knew his time on this earth was coming to an end and he desired to "stir" the believers behind of the things he knew to be true. 2 Pet 1.13

I guess my spirit is sensing the question what do I remember that I may leave behind for those who, hopefully, won't forget me?

Daily, my thankful prayer includes, "thank you, Lord for 'my daughter and my 'backlight' (momma), candlesticks,' (preachers), praying women and gaining my 'Canaanland, year of Jubilee and my mountain,' after my 50th year."  Yet, the question remains What do I remember of my spiritual journey?

Is "remembrance" just a list of things I'm obviously thankful for or am I "stirred" by truths taught from His Word? I'll refer back to the "virtues" list in verses 5-7 and determine an answer.

• faith
• virtue
• knowledge
• temperance
• patience
• godliness
• brotherly kindness
• charity

Faith: I know I'm a believer because in June 1982 while driving from church to home from a camp meeting choir practice the Lord opened my heart to His wonderful person.  It has always been my habit to pray in the car and this night was no different.  Life in the home was tumultuous at best, unhappy at worst, though needs were all provided for.  No one was really interested in this kid.  But this night, as taught by mother and grandmother, I was praying and really just wanted my daddy to notice me.  While praying for his soul, the Holy Spirit, clearly spoke to my heart and said, "yes, he's lost but so are you!"  I could not deny this truth and praise the Lord I experienced a spiritual sensation like cool water flowing over my heart and literally a "light went on!"  The TN preacher said "salvation is taking sides with God against yourself."  I had to humbly admit my need of Him and just like that, I knew I was "in!"  Never doubted.  Simply put, I know I'm a believer because I'm still believing!

Virtue: could be defined as "moral goodness."  Well, I can honestly admit though I haven't always done the right thing, it's always been in my heart to do the right thing.

Knowledge: is still growing.  In my teens and later adult life I had a mentoress with whom spent time with me in biblical conversation as applied to life's circumstances.  She listened and offered wise counsel in many areas.  I miss her but can honestly report I learned much during those times. And, though knowledge doesn't come as rapidly as it once did, the slow understanding of scripture is a blessing.

Temperance: a form of moderation in all things.  I've been guilty of overindulging food, internet viewing or surfing "the net" but try to bear in mind who is watching these things and adjust accordingly.

Patience: I can honestly point out that I've much more patience in this later life than the beginning.  I don't get as riled or overwrought at life's circumstances and situations as in years past.

Godliness: Much improvement could be found with this virtue.  Less frivolous speaking and actions said to be "just having fun."  It's true "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Prov 17.22)" but there is a difference in "merry" and "comedic fun."

Brotherly Kindness: I have to check my actions towards others and determine if it's true kindness or because someone is watching.

Charity: From I Cor 13, charity is another word for "love."  I do not love like God loves but I can honestly say if the Lord put a love in my heart for another, I will be their champion.  Obviously I am human and biased in whom I love or do not love.  I do not have the Lord Jesus' heart in this area but I "strive" to see others the way He does so I will treat others right and not according to what I see or know about them.

I honestly do not know if I will be remembered for any of theses virtues or I'll just go home to be with the Lord and be forgotten here.  Truth is, it doesn't matter.  The believers walk is a life of long practice  taking on these virtues and asking the Lord for guidance and help when it seems impossible.

I will remember, because I'm a believer.

What will you remember about your salvation that you may walk worthy of Him?