Fruitful Growth

We don't hear the old biblical word "virtue" spoken these days.  It has to do with moral excellence...which is rapidly fading in our society and being replaced by such things as cheating, lying, unethical practices, pornography, adultery, fornication, stealing, addictions, and other immoral acts(which are viewed on the news and are commonplace in our communities every day).  But God has a different standard--a higher standard for us to strive for, and it is this:

"Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge (of God), and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone."  [II Peter 1:5-8 LB]

Faith involves much more than just facts!  It must result in action and growth in Christian character.  It's paramount to know God better, to develop perseverance, to do God's will, and to love people.  These qualities do not come by magic--it takes hard work to develop them; and, they're not an option!  All of them are a progressive work and are woven together into the fabric of our character and our daily living.  It is God who empowers and enables us to grow in these qualities, but it is our responsibility to do so!

Remember these 3 things:  KNOW -  GROW  -  GO!  The 1st thing is to develop a deep, personal relationship with God; 2ndly, grow up and mature in your faith; 3rd, go out and demonstrate your love and devotion fpr the Lord by living your faith on a day-to-day basis.

Bloom, blossom, and bear (spiritual) fruit, where He has planted you, for His glory!