Growing Across the Board

Scripture: 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. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Observation: In giving advice to Christians, Peter reminds us that God has given us everything we need, and as our response we are to grow in our maturity. This is the path of that growth ... faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, love. As all these things increase, we will be more effective and productive as Christians and in our understanding of Jesus.

Application: Where am I growing, and where do I need more growth, along this continuum? Certainly I am growing in faith, perseverance and self-control, as these are the areas most affected by my patient waiting and struggles. I am also looking to gain control of my mind, and thus knowledge and godliness must be part of the equation. This very day, I learned a great lesson on goodness, mutual affection and love, thanks to the amazing example of others in our church.

In the end, my current situation is the tide that raises all boats, then. It is an amazing lesson ... encompassing all aspects of Christian maturity in my life. It is not going to make me just more faithful and patient, but it will grow me I a way that improves my effectiveness and productivity exponentially and across the board.

This is just like God, to prepare me for a future work in this way. I say it again ... I am an old(er) man, but my best years of serving Jesus are clearly ahead of me. God's preparation of my heart in this matter is proof of that fact.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your patient instruction. I am anxious to move out of this season, but I am just as anxious to move into a new season of service for you. I know you will not waste this pain, but are preparing me for your work, just like the potter molds the clay. I am in your hands. Amen.