How to Live an Active Christian Faith: Lessons from 2 Peter 1

The great evangelist Billy Graham once said, “Christianity is not a spectator sport; it’s something in which we become totally involved.” This powerful truth echoes throughout Scripture, especially in 2 Peter chapter 1, where believers are called to a vibrant, engaged walk with Christ.

If you’ve been wondering how to grow in your faith or why spiritual stagnation happens, 2 Peter offers both a diagnosis and a divine invitation.

Avoiding an Ineffective Christian Life

Peter warns us not to be “ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8). It’s a sobering reality: we can know about Jesus without allowing that knowledge to transform us.

To combat spiritual passivity, Peter instructs us to “make every effort” to grow. This means we cannot sit back and simply watch others do the hard and holy work of following Jesus. Christian discipleship requires action, intention, and wholehearted participation.

Salvation Is a Gift—But Faith Requires Effort

Let’s be clear: salvation is a gift. We do not work to earn it—it is freely given by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). But our response to that gift should be evident in our lives.

Peter reminds us that our calling and election—our status as chosen and redeemed—should inspire fruitfulness. A passive Christianity is not the picture the Bible paints. Instead, we are called to live lives that prove we belong to the King of Kings.

What Should We Be Adding to Our Faith?

In verses 5–7, Peter outlines a beautiful progression of spiritual growth. As believers, we are instructed to add to our faith:

Goodness
Knowledge
Self-control
Perseverance
Godliness
Mutual affection
Love

These attributes are not just checkboxes—they are meant to grow in increasing measure, bearing witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ in our lives.

4 Questions for Personal Reflection

As you consider your walk with God today, take time to reflect on these heart-check questions:

What do you need more of in your faith journey right now?
Which of Peter’s listed qualities are increasing—or decreasing—in your life?
Have you grown content with salvation but stopped striving to grow in Christlikeness?
Can others tell that you follow Jesus—not just by your words, but by your actions and how you treat others?

Living Out an Intentional, Fruitful Faith

Friend, you were never meant to watch faith from the sidelines. The Christian life is a calling to participate, to grow, and to be transformed. Through the Spirit’s power and the guidance of Scripture, we can become more like Jesus day by day.

Let the wisdom of 2 Peter 1 challenge and encourage you to lean in—make every effort, and bear witness to the hope within you. Not for your glory, but for His.