8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

2 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV) 中文 

Possession and proliferation

Peter gave us a list of character qualities that every follower of Christ should be working with God to see developed in our lives. Not only should we possess each of them in some measure, there should be signs of life, of growth. As this is true, we become effective and fruitful. This will lead to greater knowledge of our Lord. Paul recognized the value of knowing Christ: “More than that, I count all things to be loss [c]in view of the surpassing value of [d]knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Phillipians 3:8a)

Ineffective or unfruitful

“Some of the most effective Christians I have known are people without dramatic talents and special abilities, or even exciting personalities; yet God has used them in a marvelous way. Why? Because they are becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. They have the kind of character and conduct that God can trust with blessing. They are fruitful because they are faithful; [and] they are effective because they are growing in their Christian experience.” (Warren Wiersbe)

Spiritual vision problems?

Peter wants to assume his readers are actively seeking these character qualities. Those who don’t find that they are so nearsighted they are blind. As with legal blindness (20/200 or worse or a field of view that’s no more than 20 degrees wide) someone who is spiritually blind can still see. Hopefully they can at least go back to the gospel basics – to remember how God has saved them from their sins. This, then can provide greater vision to see they are not growing and maybe stimulate a desire to grow. 

RЯeflection

• Did you see these in your life when you reviewed the list from the previous post? Do you see that you are growing in them – at least some of them? Wonderful! Press on. Don’t give up. Maybe you can encourage someone else in their spiritual walk, someone who may be blind. Ask God to lead you. But don’t judge, just offer help as a fellow follower of Christ.
• Maybe you were led to this post and this passage by the Holy Spirit who is trying to get your attention to see that you are blind, that you are not growing spiritually. What should you do? A good suggestion is to confess and repent then ask for forgiveness to restore the relationship with your Heavenly Father. Ask for the Lord to put in you a desire for Him and His Word, a desire to grow in your knowledge of Him and in these character qualities…culminating in love.