Continued Growth Toward Peace of Mind

We’re continuing to examine the virtues of the peace-filled, fruitful Christian life, found in 2 Peter 1:5-7. We’ve seen so far God’s challenge through Peter to work hard at developing faith, goodness and knowledge. Today we’re viewing the development of self control, perseverance and godliness in our quest for spiritual maturity.

Self control, referred also as temperance or self discipline, is also seen in Galatians 5:23 as the ninth fruit of the Spirit. Self control of what specifically?
1. of anger. Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
2. Of lusts of the flesh. Romans 6:12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
3. Of the tongue. James 3:2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
4. Of pistachios!!! I’m getting personal. I love pistachios. I’m addicted to them. Self Control regarding pistachios – a real stretch for me. Obviously we’re walking on the light side now; however, anything that has control of you or me , be it drugs / alcohol, workahol or any self-centered activity out of control is idolatry and obstructs our spiritual maturity. Do pistachios deter my spiritual growth? No, but they add girth to an already extended mid-section!

From self control we move on to patient endurance, also called perseverance. It’s a stick-to-it-ness that lasts until the objective is accomplished. James 1:2-4 describes a joyful spirit with patience even in the throes of adversity leads to a complete maturity. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
If perseverance is lacking, worry and anger are common byproducts. Proverbs 37:7-8 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. Could we define perseverance as purposeful action while waiting on the Lord.

From perseverance we shift to “godliness” which is defined as a genuine reverence toward God that governs one’s attitude toward every aspect of life.
Godliness develops by knowing God at ever deepening levels and trusting Him to work out in our lives Romans 8:28-29. For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son...
Growth in godliness – becoming conformed to the likeness of Jesus.

Self control, perseverance and godliness, attributes of the maturing Christian. We'll finish in tomorow's post the topic of a growing peace of mind as a result of knowing God.