These days it seems that just about everyone has the right formula to improve your life. Bookstores and libraries abound with hard and soft back publications on how to become the kind of person you were meant to be and want to be. Often the authors make grandiose claims, touting their path to success as something new, a mystery of the ages never before revealed. The truth is, as the ancient King Solomon wrote, there is very little new under the sun including principles of personal management. Most if not all of the values set forth inside brightly designed book covers are regurgitated ideas wrapped up in new packages. One ancient source for writers of modern wisdom literature continues to be the Bible.
Next to the Apostle Paul, Simon Peter was perhaps the most influential follower of Jesus Christ. In fact, the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church traces its commission and authority back to him. Many years after the Christian movement had spread out of Jerusalem to Asia Minor and Southern Europe, Peter wrote a letter to some fellow believers struggling with persecution. Today, the letter is referred to as Second Peter. Interestingly, it was the last writing accepted into the Bible's canon or official list of books.
After a brief salutation to his readers, Peter claims that in the good news of Jesus Christ, God has given his disciples everything necessary for life and godliness. In the next few paragraphs he outlines nine principles that when followed will render your life both effective and productive. Furthermore, the Apostle promises that the one who applies these principles in earnest will never stumble and will receive a rich welcome into God's eternal kingdom. Peter also writes that those who ignore these qualities are short-sighted and blind and doomed to failure. Even though Peter's primary audience was followers of Jesus the ideals he outlines apply to everyone.
The nine principles put forth by the Apostle Peter are:
• Hard work
• Faith
• Integrity
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Perseverance
• Devoutness
• Kindness
• Love
When setting these principles down in his letter Simon Peter uses the phrase "add to." He does so in order to show each trait to be intertwined and necessary to accomplish your best life possible. The following is a brief explanation of the nine qualities:
Diligence - Essentially diligence means giving an earnest and consistent effort. It includes the notion of industriousness or hard work. In order to achieve your greatest potential you must be intentional about making it happen through hard work.
Faith - Faith is an abiding confidence in you and your support network as well as an enduring conviction that the journey and the outcome will be worth all the blood, sweat and tears. Peter's support network included God.
Integrity - Integrity is an unwavering attitude to be honest and ethical in the midst of the pursuit. It is a desire to do things the right way all the time, graciously and without pretense or any hint of self-righteousness.
Knowledge - This fourth trait includes acquiring information and mastering skill sets in order to be the best at whatever you are led to do. A carpenter must learn how to use the tools of a carpenter; a professor must be an expert on the subject(s) he/she is attempting to teach. Since developments and technologies are being updated continuously, the knowledge trait includes maintaining a teachable attitude until the journey comes to an end.
Self-control - Self-control means having the discipline to say no to attractive but incompatible alternatives. The world is rife with temptations for instant gratification. While rest and relaxation are important to any balanced lifestyle, you must be willing to reject any activity or action that will derail or disqualify you from attaining your very best. A well-nurtured faith combined with a greater knowledge and understanding will make it easier for you to exercise self-control.
Perseverance - Perseverance is the fortitude to stick it out regardless of the pain involved. It is your determination to overcome any obstacle no matter how ominous it may appear. Consistently exercising self-control will give you greater capacity to persevere in the tough times.
Devoutness - To be devout is to be fully dedicated and consecrated to a cause. Often, the all out pursuit of a cause can leave you to deeper conviction or biting cynicism. If the quest has yielded nothing but a treasure chest of empty promises, you may be left with a heart of bitterness and wrath. If on the other hand the fruit has been worth your ardent labor then you will be even more committed to the effort. Perseverance leads to more devoutness.
Kindness - Human capital is the most important commodity on the planet. No doubt that in outlining these principles Simon Peter had his readers' relationship with God most in mind. He knew that when disciples of Jesus become more devout in their faith and practice they will be concerned with what God is concerned with. Peter knew that God is most concerned with people. Regardless of whether you believe in God or not, it is essential that you see and treat those around you as valuable. You must dedicate yourself to treat all others with honor and respect. You are not an island nor are you a self-made man. You did not grow or pick the fruit in the produce section of the supermarket. You probably did not make the computer you are using to read this article. Society grows and progresses when its members lock arm in arm and walk into the future together.
Love - Regardless of the amount and depth of pain we have endured at the hands of others, we all want to be loved. Kindness begets kindness, perhaps not immediately but eventually. When you become the person you really want to be and choose to fully enjoy the people around you, you will be possessed by a deep and abiding affection for yourself and those others. Then you will be guided by the most important principle of all - love.
Everyone everywhere wants to live the best possible life. They want to be productive and effective in their pursuits. The nine principles outlined by the Apostle Peter are time tested and universal. If you put them into practice you will experience your best life yet.
Eric Coggins; Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Coggins |
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