Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-7
For this very reason, there make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, find knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Thought for the Day: Peter’s list of disciplines that lead to a life more fully lived in the Christ is solid and built like a pyramid, with love as the capstone. This is one of the best how-to lists in all of spiritual literature, because it is timeless and straightforward. No matter what age we live in, from the Bronze Age to our modern era, spiritual progress requires a lot of work across a broad spectrum of life experiences.

I think Peter mentions faith first because it is our foundation. We have faith that God is a force for good, and that encourages us and motivates us. I also love that he mentions knowledge, because too often faith and knowledge are represented as polar opposites. For me though, faith is always strengthened by knowledge, and I want to know as much as possible about everything. And the more I learn, the more I believe in God, and understand God on a simultaneously massive and minute level.

Of course, this takes perseverance. We make mistakes along the way (at least, I certainly have). Hopefully we learn from those mistakes and press on, ever closer to God and the humanity Jesus so perfectly exemplifies. Ultimately, we come to a place where we see God in everyone, and begin to understand that love is everywhere and everyone.

Prayer: God that is everything, you grant me the strength I need to persevere and learn more about you every day, as I strive to become love. Amen.