"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" 2 Peter 1:5-6.
An important pathway to spiritual maturity is outlined in 2 Peter 1. We begin with faith in the faith (truth), to which we diligently supply moral character, then experiential knowledge, and then self-control.
Self-control is mastery over desires and appetites; something which can only be achieved supernaturally through Holy Spirit. No one is capable of trying hard enough, because our own efforts are destined to fail. The apostle Paul summed it up well: “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” Romans 7:15.
The challenge with self-control is that we live in a world that prioritizes indulgence. Many of us grew up in the era of if-it-feels-good-do-it. While that phrase may not be stated as often these days, its intent continues to be emphasized. Commerce is dependent upon us indulging our appetites because, we are told, we deserve it.
The irony of indulgence is that it is enslaving rather than liberating, and the problem with this is that we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Choosing indulgence is to unseat Jesus from His rightful throne.
So, what’s a body to do? For one, an awareness and admission that personal will and determination will not and cannot succeed, is an important starting point. This is key in fully depending on Spirit work to accomplish what human ability never will. Self-control is specifically listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
The battle for self-control is both unrelenting and monumentally challenging. This side of the kingdom, we will never be free from it. But, increasingly surrendering to Spirit enabling is liberating. May we apply all diligence in pursuing the Spirit path of victory today.
©Steve Taylor, 2023 --Used by permission
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