“ But also for this very 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. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8
Granny King grew pecan trees. Each year they produced an abundant supply of nuts. And every Thanksgiving the family made the trek to the granny’s homestead. She went on to glory many years ago. But the family kept the property, and the traditional gathering of nuts (pecans that is). Food, fellowship, and stuffing bags with the fruit of the trees. Granny left a legacy that still continues. Her trees leave a continual legacy year after year too. Some crops are better than others, but never a barren year to date. Sun, rain, and rich soil have prospered the trees to great maturity. Family and friends have benefitted from God’s rich supply for growth and fruit.
God supplies each one of us with what we need for fruitfulness. As we grow and mature in His goodness, soaking in His vast array of attributes, we produce a faith that is never barren. Peter exhorts us to add certain nutrients to the soil of faith:
Virtue – a moral excellence
Knowledge – a study and application of God’s Word
Self control – controlling desires rather than being controlled by them
Perseverance – spiritual endurance that doesn’t give up or give into sin
Godliness – reverence, loyalty, and obedience to God
Brotherly kindness – affection and sacrifice for one another
Love – though stretched and strained, will forgive a multitude of sins and still endure.
When all of the above remain year after year, we are neither barren nor unfruitful. We are a rich supply for the world to enjoy.
Let us leave a legacy worth repeating.