Effective and Productive

"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." (II Peter 1:8 NIV)

The qualities that Peter was talking about are a very important part of our lives as Christians. It is of the utmost importance that we are among the "rich" when it comes to the blessings of God. What do I mean by "rich"? Peter said to have faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These are characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus Christ and I believe that if we are not practicing these qualities or do not have these qualities in us, we may not be right with God. Yes, this is a bold statement, but I believe that it's time to be BOLD if we are going to win the lost for Jesus and expect to receive blessings from God.

Peter goes on to say that "if anyone does not have them, (qualities) he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (v 9) What have we caused in our own lives to seep in and make us blind to the characteristics of being a Christian? In my prayer time I find that I have been blind to some things of God and have had a case of near-sightedness of my own. As I was taking the family dog out this morning I was pondering on some things and I was reminded of the television series Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous made popular by Robin Leach that featured the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy entertainers, athletes and business moguls. I don't know why I thought of this show other than God leading me to this scripture this morning about the qualities of a Christians. Go radical with me just for a moment and imagine Peter doing a TV show in Heaven somewhat like Leach's show but it involved the Children of God! Would you be a featured person on the scroll screen of Heaven with your "qualities and characteristics" being that of what Jesus has set out for you to be? This makes me want to follow the instructions of Peter and "make my calling and election sure to receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom of God." (v 10,11)

For me to be effective and productive, I have to reach for these characteristics of God and live a life that is pleasing to him and then he will make me "rich" with blessings of abundance! Be blessed today!!!!