We Need To Grow In Christ

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.  Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, 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.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)

The Apostle Peter wrote these words, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to encourage the believers to increase their faith and to grow spiritually.  He said that God had given them everything that they needed, but it was up to them to use it.  The fruit of The Holy Spirit was within them, but it was up to them to exercise it.  He told them that the more they used their godly qualities, the stronger they would become, and the more effective and productive they would become.

Everything that is alive is growing.  The question is, in which way are they growing?  Believers need to grow in Christ, we need to grow in our Christ-likeness.  God has given us all that we need to live godly lives.  However, our God given gifts are like our muscles, if we don't use them, they become weak and ineffective.  The Holy Spirit of God resides within all believers, so we all have the gift of the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 John 3:24)  Just having it is not enough, we must exercise our God given gifts in order to live godly lives, so that we can be effective and productive in our work for The Lord.  Knowing The Word of God is not enough, we must live it and share it with others. (James 1:22)