The Right Direction

Read: 2 Peter 1:3-11

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8

IN WORD

Many Christians are stuck in spiritual lethargy, unable to focus on anything other than their own progress or, more specifically, lack of it. They know the standard is high and are acutely aware of falling short of it. But Scripture gives us numerous encouragements, many of them sweepingly liberating. For example, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1)—though many of us condemn ourselves easily. We are urged, even commanded, to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). All that remains is for us to grow in the nature of God that has been imparted to us.

The question for each of us then becomes not “What am I lacking?” but “Where am I growing?” We no longer focus on needing more patience, compassion, or other such virtue; we rejoice in whatever of that virtue we already have. A profound principle of human nature is that whatever we focus on tends to grow larger in our own minds, as well as in our experience. When we focus on meeting a standard, the standard oppresses us and reminds us of how often we miss it. But when we focus on which direction we’re moving in, that direction accelerates.

Therefore, Peter rightly turns our attention to the qualities we possess, not the ones we lack. And he encourages us only to make sure they are increasing, not to be anxious about whether they have fully arrived. As is often said, long journeys begin with a single step. If we keep moving in the right direction, we get to where we’re going. And that’s something anyone can do.

IN DEED

Focus on your direction. Look at how you’ve grown, not whether you’ve measured up. Give yourself plenty of grace to build on what is there rather than trying to make up for what isn’t. A wrong perspective can set us up for failure, but God never will. Grow in the nature He has given you.

ADDITIONAL READING: Philippians 1:4-6

Looking at the wound of sin will never save anyone. What you must do is look at the remedy.

D. L. MOODY