Momentum

Steven’s Scribbles
“Momentum”
2 Peter 1:5-8


    I’ve been thinking about common New Year's resolutions and why so many people stall out or give up by the second month. Making resolutions is a good practice, but sustaining them seems to be a challenge. Interestingly, I’ve noticed similarities between this struggle and the process of trying to dig out of debt, as described by Dave Ramsey in his “snowball effect” method. 


    The premise of the snowball effect is simple: you start by paying off your smallest debt first. Once it’s paid, you take what you were paying toward that debt and apply it to the next smallest one. This process continues until all debts are paid. While not mathematically the most efficient method, it’s highly practical because it builds momentum, allowing people to experience success along the way.


    Returning to New Year’s resolutions, why do people often give up? As Christians, we may look in the mirror at the start of a new year, recognize our spiritual shortcomings, and resolve to fix our biggest issue—whether it’s patience, self-control, or another area. But, like tackling debt, we often stall because the change feels overwhelming.


    Peter offers a helpful perspective in 2 Peter 1:5-8, where he outlines a step-by-step approach to spiritual growth:  
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  


    Peter’s encouragement to build upon one virtue at a time mirrors the snowball effect. By focusing on manageable, incremental progress, we build spiritual momentum, ultimately leading to lasting growth and fruitfulness.


I love you all!


In His Service,
Steven Hugley