"I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life." -M. Russell Ballard
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and preciousapromises: that by these ye might be bpartakers of the cdivinednature, having eescaped the fcorruption that is in the world through glust.
5 And beside this, giving all adiligence, add to your faith bvirtue; and to virtue cknowledge;
6 And to knowledge atemperance; and to temperance bpatience; and to patience cgodliness;
7 And to godliness abrotherly bkindness; and to brotherly kindness ccharity.
8 For if these things be in you, and aabound, they make you that ye shall neither be bbarren nor cunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What stood out to me: The words "precious promises". I've always believed in God's promises. I've known that many times my unhappiness or discouragement was due to my idleness or poor choices. Never Him.
Reading on in verse four: "having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust". The use of the word ESCAPE! It's incredible! What a perfect way to describe what living righteously can protect you from! I thought of how cool using this word to teach my children the safety of living the commandments.
And verse 8 just needs a repeat since its promise is so beautiful and perfect: "For if these things be in you, and abound (!!), they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." ..these things being diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.
Godliness before brotherly kindness and charity? Why? I'll have to study this some more. But what wonderful, absolutely divine character traits! Oh, to have them!
I love the scriptures.