For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8 HCSB
I had the privilege of playing on the golf team for my college many years ago. My golf game used to be pretty good. There was a par-three golf course on our college campus where I would play a few holes when I had time between classes. I practiced or played just about every day. Now I seldom practice and do not get to play very often. My game has suffered and I am no longer able to play as well. As a result, my skills and talent have decreased over the years.
This verse is referring to the qualities that are mentioned in 2 Peter 1:5-7 (goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love). These are the qualities that should be increasing in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. As a person becomes more like Christ he becomes useful and fruitful in God's kingdom work. Often when a person accepts Christ, he is so excited about his new faith that he reads his Bible everyday and begins telling others about Jesus. As time goes on however, the excitement and commitment to Jesus seems to decrease instead of increase. The follower may become useless and unfruitful.
Challenge: Are you increasing or decreasing in becoming more like Jesus Christ? Have you become complacent in your devotion to Christ and your desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus? Pray that God would help you to be useful and fruitful.