Occasionally I like listen to sermons by pastors at other churches and recently I heard asermon based on 2 Peter 1:5-8. After hearing the sermon I decided to go readthe whole passage for myself. After reading it I felt that I should share itwith you.

2Peter 1:3-11 states: "3 His divine power has granted to usall things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him whocalled us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us hisprecious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakersof the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the worldbecause of sinful desire. 5 Forthis very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue withknowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control,and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherlyaffection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing,they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our LordJesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualitiesis so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed fromhis former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and electionsure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will berichly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord andSavior Jesus Christ." (ESV)

As Iread this I noticed the progression starting in vs. 5 where Peter states"Make every effort to" and then goes on to list out things that weshould be striving for. If you will notice he starts with faith, which is wherewe all begin. Then he ends in vs. 8 stating that we will grow and be effectivein our faith if we continue to do these things. So what are they?

1.Faith

2.Virtue

3.Knowledge

4.Self-control

5.Steadfastness

6.Godliness

7.Brotherly affection

8.Love

Ifyou are anything like me you like to have specific things you can strive for.In this passage (and list) we are given specifics to strive after. So next timeyou are looking for something to work on try applying yourself to thesestandards and see which area you need to work on. However please know thatthese are not things you attain once and then forgotten about. You need toconstantly be striving for them. 

If you would likemore information on growing spiritually check out the Spiritual Growth Center.