2 Peter 1:8, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What qualities is Peter talking about? 2 Peter 1:5-7 tells us, “Now for this very reason also applying all diligence in your faith, supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness and in your brother kindness, love.” My Bible (ASV) titles Chapter 1 “Growth in Christian Virtue”. I think of the process of plant growing. I recently purchased some wildflower seeds to put in an area in my backyard. As I was reading how to plant these seeds, I thought of these verses in 2 Peter. It says to choose a sunny site, remove any vegetation and till the soil a maximum dept of 1 inch. Good soil drainage, medium-moist and loose soil texture are needed for healthy root growth. Toss the seed on soil top and cover with soil lightly for protection from wind and birds but don’t buy the seeds. I have to keep the soil watered daily until germination occurs. Do not overwater, and when they are 1 to 2 inches, they are more adaptable to the climate. God paralleled the planting of these seeds to the growth of a Christian. We aren’t given a plant fully developed when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, but a seed that we must diligently apply our faith to grow. Just like this packet of seeds tell me the steps to take, we are given steps here in these verses of 2 Peter. One step leads to another. Moral excellence leads to knowledge. Knowledge leads to self-control, self-control to perseverance, perseverance to godliness, godliness to brother kindness and in your brotherly kindness, love. This packet of seeds is a perfect example of increasing qualities. It is a bold statement of who gives the growth. As we grow in our faith, we are more adaptable to God to change our ideas and behaviors, to be climatized to His purpose in our life.