ADD TO FAITH FOR IMPACT

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, ADD TO YOUR FAITH virtue, to virtue knowledge” – 2 Peter 1: 5

Believers in Christ must learn to ADD to FAITH for IMPACT: “But also for this.reason, giving all diligence, ADD TO YOUR FAITH virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Pet.1: 5-7). Faith is First and foundational. Faith is not added to anything; other things are added to Faith! As fundamental as Faith is however, it does not stand alone in the accomplishment of God-glorifying Impact. We’ve seen the place of INSIGHT as the Internal driving factor that complements Faith for a Life of Impact (Pro.2:3, NIV; 1Cor.2:10). We’ve also seen how Faith works with a GOOD CONSCIENCE (1Tim.1:19). In addition, we’ve meditated on the partnership of Faith and PATIENCE as two sides of a divine coin.

Faith is never a loner. It is not a lifeless formula. We as Believers are meant to build a robust Christian Character that reflects the divine nature that we have access to through Faith in Christ Jesus (vv.2-4). It is “for this very reason” that we are called, not to a passive process, but to an active, intentional, and diligent responsibility to cultivate other virtues, namely: goodness or excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love, and grow in them (vv. 5-7). This will prevent us from becoming ineffective in our Faith Journey. A life or ministry that’s built on an isolated pillar of faith without the accompanying buttresses may be standing on risky ground.

Faith in Jesus and His finished work is the non-negotiable baseline for fulfilment of purpose in all dimensions of destiny. However, Peter’s charge is that we do not just accept Faith passively, but actively develop the qualities that complement true Faith. These are presented as a progression, building upon each other to reach the Apex of Love – “the greatest” (1Cor.13:13). We are to add holy and excellent behaviour to faith; and to virtue, the knowledge of God, of His Word, Ways and Will. Knowledge empowers; ignorance destroys (Hos. 4:6). We then add to knowledge, temperance or self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and Love. Nonetheless, to have a semblance of any of these virtues apart from Faith in Jesus is profitless before God!

In this Quest to build a Forever Faith, we must allow everything added to our faith to abound and increase in us. We must be diligent in making them blossom and flourish, as we meditate in and consistently practice the Word of God relating to these virtues. Failure to add to Faith will lead to spiritual barrenness, unfruitfulness, short-sightedness and blindness. By actively cultivating these qualities, Believers become partakers of the divine nature, consistently striving towards a life that reflects Christ’s Character: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (v.10).