Contrary to popular belief, becoming a Christian does not make one’s life any easier—in fact I would say it becomes more difficult. Of course, trying to let go of certain people, places, and things are certainly challenging, I don’t want to make light of how difficult that may be. However, the part where rubber meets the road is spiritual growth. It is bigger than those people, places, or things you may give up….it is the daily surrendering, lifelong commitment to make God the center and foundation of everything thing you do, think, or say. As a born-again believer of 15 years, it seems like I never run out of things to learn. Just when I think I have it together, I am immediately humbled. The journey of faith is a never stopping, never ending, process of a lifelong commitment to the one true God who saved you.
Spiritual growth is the process of us becoming more like Christ and reflecting him. We all know the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control), which are outward expressions of God working in us, as we shine a light in the world. There is also another list, that is often overlooked and is very similar, and that is found here:
2 Peter 1:5-7 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
To me, that sounds like a growth track. So, how about we break down these spiritual virtues we are called to live by, and examine them for a minute or two?!
•Faith: The foundation upon which all other qualities are built. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
•Goodness: A natural outflow of genuine faith, reflecting God's character in our actions. •Knowledge: An increasing understanding of God's will and his ways, guiding us in truth. •Self-control: The ability to resist temptations and remain steadfast in our commitment to God.
•Perseverance: Determination in faith despite trials and challenges.
•Godliness: A life that reflects the holiness and reverence of God.
•Mutual affection: Brotherly love that binds the community of believers in unity.
•Love: The highest virtue, encompassing all others and reflecting God's unconditional love for us.
Peter urges us to make every effort to add these qualities to our faith. This process is not instantaneous but requires intentionality and dedication. As we grow in these virtues, we become more effective and productive as a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Now, that we have been reminded of this, are you ready to face this task? Are you ready and willing to grow in your faith and add these virtues to your life? Like I said, this task isn’t easy, but by accepting this call on our life, you are able to be a useful resource for God. You become a light to all around you. No matter what challenges and difficult seasons and situations in life you may face, the pursuit of Godly virtues is the most beautiful rewarding process we get to do. So, I urge you, as Peter did, make every effort to add these qualities to your faith, trust the process, and shine your light for all to see!
Spiritual growth is the process of us becoming more like Christ and reflecting him. We all know the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control), which are outward expressions of God working in us, as we shine a light in the world. There is also another list, that is often overlooked and is very similar, and that is found here:
2 Peter 1:5-7 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
To me, that sounds like a growth track. So, how about we break down these spiritual virtues we are called to live by, and examine them for a minute or two?!
•Faith: The foundation upon which all other qualities are built. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
•Goodness: A natural outflow of genuine faith, reflecting God's character in our actions. •Knowledge: An increasing understanding of God's will and his ways, guiding us in truth. •Self-control: The ability to resist temptations and remain steadfast in our commitment to God.
•Perseverance: Determination in faith despite trials and challenges.
•Godliness: A life that reflects the holiness and reverence of God.
•Mutual affection: Brotherly love that binds the community of believers in unity.
•Love: The highest virtue, encompassing all others and reflecting God's unconditional love for us.
Peter urges us to make every effort to add these qualities to our faith. This process is not instantaneous but requires intentionality and dedication. As we grow in these virtues, we become more effective and productive as a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Now, that we have been reminded of this, are you ready to face this task? Are you ready and willing to grow in your faith and add these virtues to your life? Like I said, this task isn’t easy, but by accepting this call on our life, you are able to be a useful resource for God. You become a light to all around you. No matter what challenges and difficult seasons and situations in life you may face, the pursuit of Godly virtues is the most beautiful rewarding process we get to do. So, I urge you, as Peter did, make every effort to add these qualities to your faith, trust the process, and shine your light for all to see!