8 Enduring Steps to an Effective and Fruitful Life in Christ

Knowing God, by being like Him

“…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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, 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 1:5,6-9 NIV)

The real stairway to heaven is faith in Jesus Christ, and yet to be fruitful (verse 8 in NASB) and effective you may follow a distinct path. This path is marked by steps of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. To climb all the steps at once may seem daunting, but a steady ascent over each step, moment by moment, day after day, will certainly lead to useful and productive lives for Christians. We are not alone, we have help after all from Christ Himself. He will help us get to know Him by helping us to be like Him.

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12,13 NIV)