There are certain traits in individuals that have a profound effect on others. They may or may not be aware of their impact. Yet they exist and are powerful. In like manner, there are spiritual traits that should be evident in the person who has placed their faith in Christ as Savior. To develop these traits requires that the Christan learn the instruction manual, the Word of God, that defines the life of Christ.
In light of that Truth, the Apostle Peter wrote … “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV). The Christian life is one of dependency on Him. He has provided all that is needed for the believer to glorify Him in their physical and spiritual lives. Learning His Word and applying it becomes a life-long walk that is worthy of Christ.
A portrait of a worthy walk is presented by Peter as he addressed his audience … “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, 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. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins” (2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV).
There was a sense of urgency in Peter’s words. Persecution was rising against Christians, particularly Jewish believers. Martyrdom would soon be the lot of the apostle. “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things” (2 Peter 1:12-15 NIV.
The Apostle Paul issued a similar challenge to the Christians in Galatia, urging them to develop the traits that marked the humanity of Christ. … “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-26 NIV).
This will result in a Christian being effective in his or her witness and prayer life. Inner peace and stability of soul will exist regardless of external circumstances. Such a life recognizes … “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith” (Rom 1:17 NIV). It is a life of faith lived in the footprints of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Eph 5:8-10 NIV).
Knowing the necessity for believers to imitate the thinking of Christ and manifest His spiritual traits, Paul said … “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10 NIV).