2 Peter 1:5-8

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. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When we have faith, it must be more than belief in certain truths; it must result in loving deeds toward others. To grow in our faith will develop our Christian character, and the practice of moral discipline. If not, it will just fade away. Peter, in these verses, lists several ways to get to know God. It is when we know God, we can help others genuinely. However, these actions do not come automatically, but through dedication and discipline. These need to be chosen for us to have a continual part of the Christian life. We need to choose these all at once, not just working on one and then moving on to the next one. God enables us, but He also gives us the responsibility to learn and to grow. Are you effective and productive?

Dear God, thank you that you are with me all the time. Hep me to choose to operate in my faith and those things that need to go with it. Give me your wisdom to help others to achieve this also. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.