The joy of growing
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:8-9 CSB
The qualities mentioned in the previous section (verses 5-7) do not come instantaneously when a believer accepts Christ as their Savior. Therefore, Peter mentions here “in increasing measure,” meaning that growing spiritually is a continual process of growth. A believer must be honest about their spiritual lives, and whether or not these characteristics are present or not. This continual process of growth is also beneficial and not busywork left to believers to be done by Christ. Peter writes “they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” To continue to grow the previous characteristics Peter mentioned will benefit the believer’s relationship with the Lord. Yet, to neglect your spiritual growth, Peter writes that you are “blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.” Blind, meaning that you cannot see at all short-sighted meaning cannot see distance; and forgetful, meaning that they cannot remember the time when God’s grace was upon them. They would wander and be aimless without purpose. Stott wrote “in their blindness, short-sightedness and forgetfulness, they no longer understand their past sins, their present disobedience or their future condemnation.” Goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love are all wonderful characteristics that Christ wants every believer to grow in and have a thriving life with purpose, as opposed to the corrupted aimless lives we once lived and were saved from. Therefore, believers must continue to put in the effort to grow in these characteristics, being motivated by the grace of God that was poured out for them.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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