2 Peter 1 - Nathanael

 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 1:8

This has always struck me as such a powerful statement and promise!  First off, who wants to be ineffective and unproductive?  No one!  Secondly, the implication is that there is a real risk for us to be ineffective and unproductive as followers of Jesus. If I am honest, there are definitely times that I have fallen into that category.  So what is the solution? Possessing these qualities in increasing measure.  In other words keep growing in the characteristics that Peter had just talked about.  And what is that?

Here they are:

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 Peter 1:5-7

Obviously a lot can be said about each one of these.  Two observations: 1) we are to make every effort (it takes work to grow) 2) there is a progression ("add to your...")

We cannot grow in these by ourselves, but it takes the work of Jesus in our lives.  

One last comment:  Verse 9 adds that a corollary to not growing in these areas is forgetting that we have been cleansed from our past sins ( "But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."

This probably happens in two forms: 1) habitual sin - I forget that I have been cleansed from past sins so I go back and keep sinning 2) pride - I think that I am good by my own strength and become proud and look down on others.  Both of these are bad and are indicators that we need to be growing in Jesus in the previous areas

So Jesus, please help me to keep growing and keep me focused on you!  Please help me to turn from sin and stay humble, recognizing that I am a sinner, saved by your mercy!