Active Participation

Scripture

Supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. -2 Peter 1:5-7

It is important that we progress in these qualities. Because we have been adopted into the family of God, we have been made spiritual sons and daughters. Growth in the Christian life isn't passive. It's not an automatic process. We are to be diligent partakers of God's divine nature. We are charged to be diligent in our walk with the Lord. 

The qualities: faith, love, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, are not things we sit back and passively receive as the years go by. Instead, we progress in these qualities as we develop a true relationship with the Father. He adds them as we walk with Him. Our Christian life should be an active process. We participate diligently and partner with God. 

"But how do I know that I'm growing?" I've received this question from Christians. A true indicator of growth in your Christian life is the fruit of these qualities. Peter said these qualities should abound in your life. When these qualities are displayed consistently in your life, it will be evident to the world that you have relational knowledge of God. Beloved, ultimately, these qualities show that we are being conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Are you actively participating in your Christian walk? Or, are you under the impression that God will change your heart because you are now a son or daughter? Be intentional about your spiritual growth. God expects your participation in partnering with Him in the development of the Christian life. 

Prayer

Father,  we pray that you would fill us with your Holy Spirit and guide our steps towards spiritual maturity. Help us progress in the qualities that make up your divine nature. May our hearts be open to your teachings, and may we be vessels of your grace and love in all we do. Amen