Advance
Increasing Measure

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:10-15

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:8

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The question for this week is: Are we advancing in our walk with God?  The Apostle Peter tells us that we need to add to our faith characteristics that will make us effective and productive. Once we have embraced Jesus Christ as our Savior, God wants to use us to help others do the same.  He wants our lives to look so good that people around us want what we have.  The Bible explains that this part doesn’t happen overnight.  This part will come to us in small increments or, as Peter wrote: in increasing measure.

            Our scripture passage for the last couple of days tells us what characteristic to add to our faith: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.  When these are in play we will be effective and productive in shining brightly for God.

            As you review the last few months of your life, have there been increasing measures of “goodness” showing up?  In the original language, goodness is referring to moral excellence.  Have you noticed more honesty in your dealings?  Would you say that you have added more evidence of integrity to the way you do life?  After you have embraced Jesus as Savior, the Bible wants you to advance in lifestyle issues that improve your morals!  (Continued)

Father, help me to make good decisions today.  Help me to spot areas that are lacking in moral integrity!  In Jesus’ name, amen.