Ever heard of “swarm intelligence”? Ant colonies use it to establish the quickest paths between food and their nests. Scout ants leave a trail of pheromones (a chemical substance) as they make their way to edibles. More ants follow, causing the scent on the trails to become even stronger. Over time, the best routes become more popular and scented, while the less-efficient paths steadily decrease in both the number of ants traversing them and the pheromones left behind. “Swarm intelligence” allows ant colonies to consistently find the best paths to the nourishment they need.
Peter didn’t use pheromones to help his readers make their way toward a vibrant faith in Jesus (2 Peter 1:1), but he did leave them a trail of important things that could help them get there. Using a writing technique called sorites, the apostle identified “moral excellence,” “knowledge,” “self-control,” “patient endurance,” “godliness,” “brotherly affection,” and “love for everyone” as markers along the path toward spiritual maturity (2 Peter 1:5-7).
While the sequence wasn’t important, the overall establishment of these things in the life of believers in Jesus is vital. Why? Peter wrote, “The more you grow [in displaying these qualities], the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8). This knowledge of Jesus and the ability to leave the “scent” of true faith in Him that others can follow is something that Peter acquired by working “hard” (2 Peter 1:10,15).
You and I can daily follow the path that God has established in His Word. As we work hard to do so, we amplify the path toward true spiritual nourishment and maturity that others can follow.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 26:57-75
More:
Consider the “trail markers” Paul listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (the fruit of the Spirit) as well as those found in 2 Peter 1:5-7. As you look over these lists, which trait do you most need to work on today?
Next:
What’s the quality of the path you’re leaving for other believers in Jesus to follow? What will help you grow in spiritual maturity this week?
rollingwoodfarm on September 22, 2014 at 9:39 am
Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote of the characteristics that move us to maturity. After the fact, that style is named “sorites.” I like it better when the Holy Spirit is credited rather than a “style” of writing. After all, these were “uneducated men.”
Tom Felten on September 22, 2014 at 10:03 am
rollingwoodfarm, thanks for your comment. Yes, by the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter wrote down inspired instructions. May the Spirit gives us all we need to live them out today!
BearPair on September 24, 2014 at 9:20 am
Excellent illustration of this Biblical truth, Tom! And, like the ants, the more often we follow the “path,” the more common, the more normalized this walk becomes for us, as well as an encouragement for others to follow. Thanks Tom! 🙂
Winn Collier on October 1, 2014 at 4:29 pm
“Sorites” — who knew? Thanks.