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.
Sometimes, we get so frightened by the thought of "works-won" salvation that we forget that love and grace ultimately call us to action, not just reflection. Action means effort. That's precisely what Peter is calling us to make -
"every effort"! Peter explains why this effort is essential in the verses that follow our passage. If we
"possess these qualities in increasing measure," they help us be productive in our knowledge of Jesus (
2 Peter 1:8-9). Let's be productive for Jesus, knowing that as we
"make "every effort..." the Holy Spirit is the power at work producing godly fruit in us that makes effective Christ-likeness real in our lives and influence on others (
Galatians 5:22-25;
2 Corinthians 3:18).
Mold me and make me, Father, more perfectly conformed to your will and more perfectly consistent with your character. I do not pray this for my glory but so that you can more effectively use me to share your blessings and grace with those around me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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