“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 being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:5-8
Candy, a fellow quadriplegic, was my exercise partner in physical therapy. Every day the therapist positioned our wheelchairs in front of a wall of weights and pulleys for an hour of strenuous exercise. I remember sweating and straining while Candy merely played at lifting weights.
Years later when I returned to the hospital for a check-up, I ran into Candy. I was shocked. Her arms were thin, and she looked weak and tired. As quadriplegics, we both had the same potential for gaining strength, but from lack of exercise, her muscles were atrophied and useless.
There are many Christians who, like Candy, are playing around, believing that the Christian life will just “happen” to them without any real commitment or tough obedience. As a result, they have very little power in their lives and no stamina when the hard times hit.
For this very reason, we must make every effort to remain strong in the Lord. Growth in a Christian doesn’t just “happen”; we grow only when we exercise faith.
Are you growing stronger in Christ? You can tell if you are by measuring your life up against 2 Peter 1:5-8. Do you possess knowledge and self-control in an increasing measure? Has godliness and brotherly kindness made your life effective and productive?
Today may I be strong in You, Lord, and in Your mighty power. Strengthen my heart with Your grace so that I might add to my life goodness and knowledge, self-control and perseverance.
