Christian Character is Always a "Work in Progress"
Before discussing the ultimate goal in this progress up the pyramid of virtues leading to the ultimate Christian character, I want to pause and make sure we have the right perspective on this process. As we have said, Peter tells us that each step upward is dependent upon our firmly incorporating the one preceding into our character. However, we must emphasize that that does not mean achieving mastery over a trait, and then laying it aside in our spiritual "bank", satisfied that we are now secure and better than we were before, and are now ready for the next step. Peter ends this series with several bright, red light warnings about letting these things become quiescent in our Christian life.
Christian character is not a goal to be achieved in pious satisfaction. It is always a "work in progress". I was in a church building recently in which the entrance to the "little folks department" had a large sign over the door which read: "Construction Area". That's right, they were building character here. I have always been disturbed by preachers who gave the impression that they had found the truth and did not need to search, question, or discover any more. Such people are unable to see their own fallibility, and rigidly resist hearing either the varying needs of those to whom they preach, or the voice of God's grace.
None of us possesses all of the truth. None of us has achieved perfection in any phase of our spiritual life. Just as the physical body must continue to be nourished and exercised, if it is to survive, so must the spiritual body continue to work on every virtue, to make it grow and function even more effectively in the Lord's service. There is no time to sit in our religious rocking chair, and with complacent, folded hands, assume we have achieved the truth.
The virtue Peter talks about in the beginning, can only be kept alive by daily engaging the enemy, and overcoming his blandishments. The knowledge of Jesus is greater than one will ever comprehend in a lifetime, but the more you learn of Him the stronger you become. Self-control needs to be painfully exercised every day, if you are to maintain control of your life by the spiritual-man, in his constant battle with our human earthiness. The very word, "steadfast", carries with it the necessity of constant vigilance, lest, as the Hebrew writer says, "We let them slip." And certainly "godliness" requires a reaffirmation of my dedication to Him, as Lord of my life, every day. Of course, "brotherly kindness" is not a virtue I simply achieve. It is a virtue I must constantly practice, or it does not exist.
One of the most debilitating doctrines taught in the Christian world is the one which says, "Once saved, always saved". Every writer in the New Testament
warns against this complacent attitude. The evil forces of this pagan world do not rest. Ours is an ongoing battle, which is not won by weekly attendance at church, nor even by "daily Bible readings". Only daily exercise to strengthen each of these Christian virtues will equip us to defeat the enemy. And this is the only way we can reach the ultimate goal of Christian love, which stands at the top of this magnificent pyramid depicting the Christian personality.
When Jesus said, "Be ye perfect, even as your Heavenly Father is perfect", He gave us an ongoing challenge. As John says, "His blood will continually cleanse me from all unrighteousness", but only if I continue to daily renew my allegiance to Him, and let Him be the Lord of my life. It is not in me to ever achieve that perfection, but Jesus will continually impart it to those who exercise their faith, and build daily the traits of Christian personality that allow us to be His witnesses, and achieve His purposes in this world.
More about this at the end of our next paper on the ultimate goal of "love", as we hear Peter repeatedly warn against complacent relaxation in our daily
battle with evil.
