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Being Effective...

              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)

One of my passions (compulsions) since 2020 is becoming competent. I want to be able to take care of myself so that I’m not a burden to others and so I can help those who need it. I’m trying to learn about gardening and all sorts of practical skills toward that end. But what today’s verse suggests is that the faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love mentioned in yesterday’s passage will prevent me from being ineffective and unproductive in my knowledge of Jesus Christ - and by extension, in my knowledge of everyone else.

     The two ideas go hand-in-hand. If we are going to be effective in my knowledge of Jesus Christ or others, learning how to do practical things will increase our ability to act on our faith, do good, control ourselves (especially when things are less than ideal), persevere, show mutual affection, and love. In fact, if we care for someone, it’s not unusual  for us to learn about the things that matter to him/her. Learning to have faith, be good, use knowledge, exercise self-control, persevere, be godly, show mutual affection, and love will also lead us to learning to do things that will give us more ability and opportunity to do those things. 

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