Growing to Be More Like Jesus

"...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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 

It is not a straight line with consistent steps of progress for a new Jesus follower to become a fully devoted follower of Christ.  Nevertheless, our Scripture this week lays out a very viable pathway and scenario for a new Jesus follower to become a mature disciple who is also a disciple-maker. 

The journey of a disciple begins by confession of sin and by faith, believing that Jesus is the resurrected Son of God who has fulfilled the requirement for a sinless sacrifice for sinners of all time, everywhere. 

As faith is established, old habits and actions are replaced by wholesome activity and attitudes leading to goodness. While this is happening the knowledge of God and His Word begins to happen and the new disciple learns how to exercise some self-control and to persevere through difficult times even when the old sin nature wants to take control again.  

As failures lead to confession followed by restoration, and as victories over sin are won, godliness begins to show up as a characteristic and a new love for others emerges, first as affection and appreciation and then as genuine love. This little poem by Charles D. Meigs expresses the love of a disciple for others. 

Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
Than even when I kneel to pray
My prayers will be for OTHERS.

Others, Lord, yes, others
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for Others
That I may live like Thee.  

2 Peter 1:5-7 is a good measuring tool for each of us to determine how we are growing to be more like Jesus and to love like Jesus.