Growing vs. Stagnant
Make Every Effort

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-9

Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:5

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge

Today’s passage of scripture is one of the best in describing this idea of “Growing vs. Stagnant.”  In verse eight, the Apostle Peter tells us that if we possess the qualities he had been describing, in “increasing measure,” then we will be effective Christ followers.  If we stagnate and don’t have them growing in us, we are “near sighted and blind” (2 Peter 1:9).

The qualities that the apostle wrote about will mature us in Christ: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.  Christ followers who live these out will be very effective in this world.  The worst sinner can’t help but see these qualities and wish for them.  As we grow in each of these areas, people will take note and see our “abundant life.”  As we live them out faithfully, it creates conversations with people who are far from God, but are near enough to us to see our daily life.  As we love them and are kind to them, it opens doors to share with them the source of our strength: Jesus Christ.  They may not want to live for Jesus, but they can’t help but be effected by our godly lives.

Let’s pick one of these qualities that Peter listed and determine to grow in it this week!

Father, thanks for providing the wisdom and strength to grow in my faith.  In Jesus’ name, amen.