Could this feat EVER be accomplished or was it a hopeless cause? To be honest, I was beginning to harbor some intense doubts. Our small Christian school had formed a high school choir, and those youngsters had a deep desire to sing for their Savior. I was confident that if we offered God our diligence and best efforts, and sprinkled in some patience on my part, that the Father would bless abundantly. For weeks, we restricted ourselves to singing simple melody lines, perfecting intonation and phrasing, for as most would agree, a strong melody line is the most crucial element of any musical work. When confidence increased a bit, I cautiously moved a few girls down to the alto part, our first swing at harmony. Not to be outdone, the boys spread their wings and we were up to the challenge of some three-part singing, and soon after, we were able to add that rich, low bass part. After months of effort and repetition, we were ready to put it all together. Then it happened, that modest choir sang their first chord-laced song, a beautiful blend of four parts, rich, harmonious, stunning. As evidenced by everyone’s shocked expressions, they were well-pleased with this new sound; so was I. We had added depth to our song!
Peter encourages and exhorts us in his letter to his fellow believers to “add to your faith.” Now be careful here. Just as that melody line was essential to our fledgling choir, faith is our essential cornerstone; we can add NOTHING to what Christ has accomplished in our stead through His blood shed at Calvary. We are complete in Him alone, our standing is secure in that finished act of grace. When Peter uses this term add, he is referring to a musical term common during his time, a word meaning to blend. Once we are firmly rooted in Christ, we can begin the task of blending in some qualities to that faith, adding depth to our song.
Peter encourages us to “add to your faith virtue,” moral excellence and purity of thought, word, and deed; “and to virtue knowledge,” or spiritual acuity and understanding. If we desire an even richer sound, we blend in “temperance,” our self-control, and “patience,” that cheerful endurance that carries us through our Christian walk. To make our temple truly sing, we add “godliness…brotherly kindness…charity.” As we exhibit God-likeness in our attitude and walk, the deep agape love for others and generosity will abound and overflow within us, and the sound will be stunning.
Let’s build on our foundation of faith and blend in some harmony by yielding to the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. That rich, Christ-like sound will surely be pleasing to our Father and to all those around us.
I Peter 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Lord, I want my life to be a gorgeous blend of those qualities that please You. Help me to build on that foundation of faith a life that is pleasing to You.