Monday, February 23, 2015

Now that we’ve studied in 2nd Peter 1:5-11 the qualities Peter encourages us to add to our faith two considerations emerge. Should we work hard on any one of these qualities, and when we make some progress in that area, begin to tackle another quality, until all of them are integrated and operative in our lives? Or should we see them as a cluster, each one interdependent on the others, much like the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23? Actually, if you compare the fruit of the Spirit with this list of qualities in 2nd Peter 1:5-11 you find a lot in common. That would suggest that the way to work at this process is to recognize, we can’t produce these qualities by sheer effort and disciple. They are essentially the product or fruit of the Holy Spirit’s activity. Understanding the qualities God desires to produce in your life gives you an appetite for pursuing them. In the pursuit we need to be reminded that only the Holy Spirit can produce these qualities. So the process is one of pursuing and then trusting the Holy Spirit to bring them into reality. Or maybe, what the Holy Spirit is prompting you to pursue you need to cooperate with Him by obedience and faith. As you do this the miracle of spiritual growth in grace will take place. And as these qualities are possessed in increasing measure, “they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Take time to reflect on this now.