Growing in Faith

But for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness LOVE. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

What is Peter talking about? What "reason" does he give for us to add all these things to our faith in Christ? Why is faith not enough? It is because He has given to us a share in His divine nature . . . that is, we can now be freed from the wrath and punishment of sin because of His sacrifice! Why should we not just "sit upon our faith"? Once saved by His grace, we are to explore and expand the very nature of God that He has implanted within us; His virtue (moral standards), His knowledge, His patience, His meekness or self-control, and His kindness and agape love toward all men and women. We are called to pursue the things of God once we answer His call to salvation. We are not saved to sit still and wait for Him to return. We are called to grow and serve . . . to labor in His Kingdom . . . to work and mature in faith and action. We are commanded to "go" and make other disciples or followers of Christ. We do this by action, not simply a thought or an idea! We want to be found working when He returns!