For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with
virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and
godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from
being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22,23 ESV
This morning these lists of spiritual qualities, Christian traits, or holy habits seem overwhelming. I know salvation is not dependent on anything we do or say, but let's face it, salvation is to bring growth in the various areas listed above. It is a very daunting list for the Monday morning following the spring forward daylight savings time changes.
And, yes, I know all the platitudes: "Christianity is about growth, not a finished product." "The indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes the growth possible." "There will be mountain tops and valleys in your Christian walk." Etc. But Peter and Paul both present a daunting list of growth areas for life.
Would we be wonderful people and craft a marvelous society of these traits, qualities, and/or habits were second nature? Surely. But right now, this morning, in the dark morning of yet another Monday, I cannot help but think of just how often I am found wanting in these areas.
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