For the next several months we will be diverting from our usual pattern of examining a particular woman or women from the Bible and learning from their example.

Instead, we are examining the qualities that Peter said if we “possess in increasing measure, they will keep you (us) from being ineffective and unproductive.”

I am comforted in the words “increasing measure.” There is a striving for perfection in these qualities. We don’t need completeness or perfection in one before going to the next one. As long as we are building on and going forward, we can be effective and productive in our lives.

I have faith, but cry out to God at times to help me overcome my disbelief. (Mark 9:24)

I strive to do what is right, but I know that if I claim to be without sin I am deceiving myself. (1 John 1:8)

I strive for knowledge of God, but realize it will be a lifetime of learning in which I must be aware and oppose “ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.” (1Timothy 6:20)

I practice self-control, yet I will stumble in many ways. (James 3:2)

I persevere, yet at times stop, cry out and ask God why he has forsaken me. (Psalms 22:1)

I strive to think of my dependence on God in every aspect of my life, but at times I get caught up in the everyday concerns of life. I get frustrated or anxious about a situation at work or at home and forget to depend on God and remember that he cares what is happening in my life today and tomorrow. (Matthew 6: 25-34)

I try to reach out in kindness to help others in need, but sometimes I grow weary and turn the other way justifying myself by thinking their own actions caused them to be in need, or that I did not have enough to give. (Galatians 6:9)

I look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and realize how often I fall short of what love is, but thankful that God is love.

So I am still ever striving for these qualities, but I am far from perfection. Peter tells me that is okay. I only need to be increasing in measure to be an effective and productive child of God.