Spiritual growth is not optional for the Christian—it is commanded. Peter wrote, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). In fact, he goes further and urges believers to give “all diligence” to their growth (2 Pet. 1:5, 10). Growth does not happen accidentally. It requires intentional effort to become more like Christ.
In 2 Peter 1:5-7, God provides a clear pattern for that growth. He lists eight Christ-like qualities that must be developed together, with each quality being “added” to the previous one. “Added” means to supply or furnish—like equipping a choir so every part works together in harmony. These qualities are not isolated traits—they build upon and strengthen one another. Therefore, we cannot pick and choose which ones to develop. All are essential.
At the foundation of this entire process is faith. Biblical faith is far more than mere belief. It involves three essential elements: conviction, trust and obedience. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is not a blind leap in the dark—it is a confident assurance based on the evidence God has provided. It is being fully convinced that what God has promised, He is “able to perform” (Rom. 4:21).
But faith does not stop with conviction. True faith surrenders to God and expresses itself through obedience. The examples in Hebrews 11 make this clear, where the “faith” of every Old Testament faithful was not idle but it acted. That is why Scripture teaches that “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:26). Genuine faith always produces a changed life.
Faith is also essential because it is the foundation of our relationship with God. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6). It is through faith that we come to God, trust His promises and commit our lives to His will. It is the motivating force behind everything we do as Christians.
So how do we grow in faith? Faith comes from God’s Word (Rom. 10:17). The more we read, study and meditate on Scripture, the stronger our faith becomes. At the same time, we must guard our faith—avoiding unbelief, resisting worldly distractions and actively living out what we believe. Faith is strengthened not only by learning the truth but by practicing it.
Finally, faith must be demonstrated. It is seen in obedience to the gospel and in a life that trusts Christ daily—trusting His commands, His promises and His purposes.
If we will diligently build upon this foundation of faith, we will become fruitful, steadfast and secure in our walk with God. Everything begins with faith and adding to faith.