1 Peter 1:8
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We’ve spent several sessions going over the list of traits that Peter ascribes to the mature christian: diligence, faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Today’s verse sums up the thought. He says they are useful and fruitful in our knowledge of Christ.
The word useful makes us think of something practical. Like someone’s favorite tool. It maybe a crescent wrench or a pair of channel locks. We know how to use it and it’s effective. These traits give us many tools to use as we live out our faith. Diligence is the first one. Proverbs is full of examples of how diligence benefits us. It pleases our employers and customers. We get our tasks done, so we are more successful and we also feel good about ourselves.
There are enough tools that we become well rounded. We can use them for every job that comes our way. We encounter all sorts of challenges in our days. Depending on the situation a trait may be preeminent or the person we’ve become is flavored by all of these.
The second descriptor Peter uses about these traits is fruitful. The fruit of a tree comes forth as a manifestation of it’s health. A watered, fertilized tree will bear fruit. So, we become fruitful as we are in the bible, prayer and fellowship. These traits will be part of us and the people around experience them.
Lord, help us to grow in maturity. Thank You that You will equip us “for every good work”.