“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, 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. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)

We have heard many times that “Knowledge is power.” This seems to be a very true statement no matter the situation. It could be the street smarts of a city police officer, experience with a particular piece of machinery, or academic knowledge applied in building new technology. All these gifts of experience or knowledge will have the effect of making one valuable within their respective work force. But what about knowledge of Christianity, and bible knowledge, how does learning about Jesus fold back into our lives? Well in today’s scripture verses, Peter tells us that applying our knowledge of Christ Jesus will form a pattern. A pattern that will be recognizable to God and useful for building up His kingdom.  Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This is the pattern of Christly living. A pattern that if followed, will lead to effective and productive “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This knowledge too is power. Power to do the right thing, and the power to bring others to Jesus. So take this pattern of living to heart. Learn these words (Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love) and engrain them into your daily routines. In doing so you will gain the ultimate power here on earth, the power to reflect Jesus onto others. The power to encourage others to take that leap of faith, and be saved. The power to offer eternal life to those who accept Christ Jesus as their savior.