There is a short phrase that I never noticed before in the Bible. Peter, the apostle who denied he knew Jesus, now near the end of his life, wrote, “For if these qualities (virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love) are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful” (2 Peter 1:8). This offers us two meaningful ways to measures of where we stand: Do we have these core character traits, and are they increasing in our lives?
Trajectory is vital. We do not control many of the circumstances in our lives. But we do have control over our responses to circumstances. Are we practicing self-control? Are we showing patience in our reactions to those we love? Peter’s challenge is “Are these yours” and “Are they increasing?”
I’ve read many, many books on aging. Unfortunately, they point out that a large percentage of us, as we age, become less patient and more close-minded, complain more often, and take on a negative view of life. It’s understandable, really. Life is hard, particularly as we age. We’re beaten down. I want to encourage us to fight back against negativity, to embrace gratitude, and to seek character growth, no matter what our age. And to increase in these character traits!
It’s all about trajectory. If I could objectively measure my character growth on a scale of one to ten, I’d rather be a five trending up than a seven trending down. Where we are today is a function of a past that is now behind us. But where we go the rest of today, and tomorrow, and the next day, is a matter of choice. It may not be easy to turn the ship around, but it is possible.
Begin by simply acknowledging that it is possible to grow. It is possible to change our trajectory. It is possible to be positive. It is possible to be patient. It is possible to forgive and to act lovingly. It may not be easy, but it is possible.
Next, take one small step in the right direction. Change your trajectory. You might list three things for which you are truly grateful. You might speak an unexpected kind word. You might pause and pray.
Take one small step in the right direction and then commit to repeating that step tomorrow. Small steps repeated daily change trajectory.
Buck the trend. Become a person who is increasing in patience, increasing in gratitude, increasing in kindness. This is the simple recipe for a life well-lived.