Organic Linear Growth - Really?
When I read these verses I jump right over to Paul's writing in Galatians 5 - the fruit of the Spirit passage. And when I read both passages, I realize that both Paul and Peter were looking at Jesus. These characteristics are wrapped up in Jesus. It's the kingdom life he calls us to. It is the work and fruit of His Spirit.
Interesting - Peter talks about these characteristics as though in a linear continuum. As though you can't have one without the one before it. And yet I know some very loving people whose knowledge doesn't seem as deep as their love. Peter also suggests in verse 8 that this is not a strictly linear process - "get the first one wired up, then move on to the next one". In verse 8 he says "if you possess these qualities in increasing measure..." This is not a closed system. Get one, get two, get 'em all. You're done. Rather, these qualities are interconnected. One makes little sense without the others.
Just as Paul's discussion of the "fruit" of the Spirit - not the "fruits" - suggests that we're not after getting merely "good" at one, then the next, then the next. Rather the whole is the fruit, the fruit is the whole.
As I add goodness to my faith, and knowledge to goodness, I'm looking to develop as my truest, God-created self. In his image. It will be good for me to methodically read, pray, exercise practices that help me develop each of these, but it'll be messy, overlapping and repetitive.
Sounds like a journey to me.
You comin'?
Created over 2 years ago
