Little children are marvelous; within just a very few years they learn how to walk, talk and live in the culture they are born into. And as we grow older, learning gradually becomes more difficult, say about age 40 or so. Even in our "golden" years, we can learn and go beyond just having knowledge, but rather insight that amounts to wisdom.
As I am considering these things, a question came to mind: What is the process for Christian growth? Then a single word came to mind- addition! Finally this passage emerged to the forefront of my thinking...
2 Peter, Chapter 1 (WEB)
1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue, (emphasis added vss. 2-3) 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control perseverance; and in perseverance godliness; 7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. (emphasis added vss. 5-7)8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As a child grows it is helped along the way by its parents, schoolmates, friends and virtually everyone that young mind comes into contact with. Likewise, when a person becomes a Christian, he or she is nurtured along by those they encounter. However, beyond the development of a child, a Christian is exposed to God himself and as we grow as Christians, it is nothing less than the power of The Almighty working in us. And that is the difference between our adding virtues and God multiplying Grace and Peace though the teachings and example of none other than Jesus himself.
Admittedly, life has its difficulties, but with Jesus in the focus of our thought and action, anything is possible, ANYTHING!!!!
Consider this passage from Paul's letter to the Philippian Christians..
Philippians, Chapter 4
If Paul can say this, so can we- perhaps even while dancing in the rain, just for the fun of it!!!