SCRIPTURE - 2 Peter 1:5-9

“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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

The Gospel of Jesus and His redemption of our lives should change the very character of who we are in a wonderful way. Think of these characteristics: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. These are the building blocks of a character that starts to look increasingly like that of Jesus. They include equally elements of our inner life, along with our attitude and posture toward those around us. Our own character formation should lead to changes in how we interact with others.

These character traits don’t just happen, but require our regular effort. This is why Peter tells us to make every effort to add these to our faith. True faith is not simply belief, although it starts there. Real faith includes ongoing life change and the building of our character so that we look more and more like Jesus. 

While we have the Holy Spirit in our lives to help us, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit to make these characteristics true in our lives. Goodness replaces selfishness, self control replaces impatience, perseverance replaces discouragement, godliness replaces sinful practices, brotherly kindness replaces all unkind words and actions and love replaces our focus on self. All of these require our active participation and a willingness to become like Jesus.

In fact, Peter makes a strong statement when he says, “If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sin.”

The cultivation of these qualities is what makes our Christian lives effective and productive, while ignoring them is an indication that we have forgotten all that God did to cleanse us and His call on our lives. It is spiritual nearsightedness.

Think through these character traits that need to be added to our faith. This is a journey from a life focused on me, to a life focused on Jesus and others. It is a journey toward the character of God. Take some time today to think about each of the characteristics that He wants for our lives. Where do you see progress, and where do you need to pay greater attention? Post a list where you can see it, and pray that God will help you continue to grow into His character.

Father, thank You for this reminder and encouragement to grow into Your character. Help me stay focused on becoming more like You. Remind me that You redeemed me to join You in Your work and become like You. Amen.