2 Peter 1:5-8 “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. 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.
The knowledge of Christ is key to living a satisfying, productive, and meaningful life. The word “knowledge” repeats four times in 2 Peter 1:3-8. What exactly does this mean? It can’t be mere intellectual understanding of the facts of Jesus’ life and teachings. It must mean something deeper – knowing his power (1:3), promises (1:4), and divine nature (1:4), along with making every effort to live for Christ in attitude and action (1:5-8). The word effort is important because God asks me to devote my will, focus, energy, and time. Growth will not happen if I am passive or if I exhaust all my efforts solely on my career.
Father, please deepen my knowledge of you. I desire to experience your power and promises and divine nature. I especially need perseverance at work with all the stresses and deadlines, but also at home and church and mentoring and teaching. Please make me effective and productive for your purposes.