God gives us a picture of the mature Christian in 2 Peter 1:2-9. It’s a picture of progressive transformation beginning with faith. In this transformation our soul (mind, will, emotions) progresses from faith through the character qualities of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and culminating in unconditional love. It is our faith in Jesus that brings the divine nature into our spirit and creates the possibility of transformed character. This is a picture of the kingdom of God resident within us to be displayed around us.
It is our commitment to the transforming power of grace that guarantees the success of transformed character. Many Christian leaders in business, ministry and government see themselves as ‘mature’ because they are in leadership positions. They think they have ‘arrived’! Yet many possess little of the character quality described by Peter. The reason they don’t possess these qualities is two- fold, (1) they are not committed to transformation (verse 5), and (2) they hang on to the past, i.e. the sin, beliefs, and wounds of yesterday (verse 9).
Grace is the power to obliterate your past and transform your future. Grace is the never ending growth hormone. It doesn’t stop when you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. It continues maturing you from the inside out AS you commit to the process!!!!! The scripture says ‘make every effort’. Peter says that anyone who does not possess these character qualities in INCREASING MEASURE (i.e. is in the process) will be ineffective and unproductive and cannot see clearly! Wow! Peter is not questioning your eternal life. He is challenging you to abundant life; challenging you to have clear spiritual eye sight to lead those who choose to follow. Lead the transformation of maturity and others may follow.
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