2 Peter 1:5-7 "...in you faith supply moral excellence; and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control; and in your self-control, perseverance; and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness, love."
I love to build things. Cabinet-making is my hobby and I enjoy teaching this skill to junior high students at our school. Most of these young people have never touched a power tool and haven't the slightest idea where to start in building something. It would be disastrous to provide them with plans, materials, and turn them loose with a table saw, router, and a nail gun. There is an orderly, step-by-step learning process, moving from simple to more complex procedures.
Peter suggests something similar in our spiritual development. He provides us with a developmental list of Christ-like character traits. It's not that we have to master one before we can move on to the next. They are all being shaped in us simultaneously by the Holy Spirit. But, on the other hand, each of the traits does form a foundation for the next; each gives us the tools necessary for the quality that follows.
I'm thankful that, like my students, I am not expected to be a "master Christian" overnight. Thank God for His long-suffering towards us! He patiently works in our hearts, chipping off the rough edges, shaping us into the image of Jesus. Hopefully, when I look in the mirror of His Word place.
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