For This Reason Part 2

2 Peter 1:6…(add to) and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

          Once we have knowledge (the know-how or know why) to do something, what do we do? Remembering another passage of scripture from Proverbs 4:7 … “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom and with all our getting-get understanding,” I used an analogy of someone getting a Mercedes Benz.  They were given the keys to the car, but they had no knowledge of how to drive; therefore wisdom would dictate they learn how to drive (get the knowledge) before they tried driving the car.  If we are going to do anything well, we must get knowledge of how to do them well.

          After gaining knowledge, we must learn to exercise self-control (control of self).  The one thing that will inhibit our ability of learning self-control is our proclivity to control others.  In other words, we always see what is wrong with someone else and want to correct them, but we seldom see what is wrong with us and even when it is pointed out to us; we resist correction.  If we never learn self-control, how likely are we going to be able to represent Jesus?

          When we have learned to control ourselves (what we say, what we eat, what we do), now we need to add to our repertoire—perseverance—tenacity and commitment to stick with what we’re doing until we get the desired results.  So what if we fail the first time we try!  Then we try, and try, and try again—making adjustments in what we’re doing as we go along until we find what works best.  It is pointless to keep doing the same thing over and over again—the same exact way—expecting different results, so of necessity we must make adjustments and fine-tune what we do in order to get the results we want.  But we never give up—we persevere until it is finished; especially if what we’re doing is supposed to glorify God. 

          To our commitment to see things through, we add godliness—doing what is right and pleasing to God.  We are not “God” and therefore we are not perfect beings, but we can strive for perfection in making sure that what we do is morally right, godly righteous in our efforts to bring others into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Our conduct—before unbelievers—is a greater testimony to them about who God is than anything we could ever say.  The only way we can become godly righteous is to study His Word and then do His Word.  Having a right relationship with God assures of two things:  His love and guidance and His correction through the Holy Spirit when we get off track. 

 Work on developing that right relationship with God today and watch how He works in your life. It is for this reason, we continue to study and reach out to others in our sharing the Word, so that all can be blessed abundantly and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!