Make every effort to add goodness to your faith; And for goodness, knowledge; And for knowledge, self-control; And self-control, perseverance; And perseverance, devotion; And devotion, brotherly goodness; And brotherly kindness and love. For if you have these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
—2 Peter 1:5-8
Thoughts on today’s verse…
Very good! What a message. God wants us to be productive in our lives. He wants us to have more than just brain knowledge; He wants us to put his knowledge to work in our lives and be effective and productive with it. I have to make real efforts to develop these qualities. While the Holy Spirit is doing God’s work to transform me to be like Jesus and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), God wants me to do my part and “make every effort” develop these qualities “In increasing quantities.” God wants these qualities to be easily visible in my life. I am ready; How are you? Let’s adopt those qualities and start today.
My prayer…
Holy God, we are committed “I am trying my best” To grow in your character. Please bless our efforts and receive them as our heartfelt expression of appreciation of Your love for us, even when we were unworthy of Your grace. You loved us while we were and came forward to redeem us “Helpless,” “Unrighteous,” “Sinful,” and your “Enemy” (Romans 5:6-10). We thank you for your loving kindness and are committed to being productive in our faith lives so that we can glorify you. We are determined to live to the praise of the glory of your grace in the name of Jesus (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14). Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
