Self-Control, Steadfastness, Godliness

1 Peter 1:3a,5a,6 ESV
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith  with… and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness…”

Peter, toward the end of his life, admonishes his fellow Christians to achieve balance, right living and a fearlessness in troubled times. He gives his readers a list of characteristics to obtain in a godly life and lifestyle. 

He urges them to obtain self-control, as empowered by the Spirit, as the Spirit motivates them in what would be many of their last days. Self-Control- means choosing to give up trying to control things on our own, surrendering to God for help, and working alongside Him for real change.

If we lack self-control, we will be controlled by our whims. If we don’t choose to rely on the Holy Spirit and aim to make the right choices, we can’t become our best self.

Steadfastness- To be steadfast and unmovable is to be spiritually grounded. A steadfast person knows what he believes and cannot be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14).

Godliness – Peter was telling his readers to take on the characteristics of God. Learn his nature and be like Him.

Rise above the pettiness of the world. Don’t try to be like a friend or neighbor that you feel is a great person. It is good in a sense, but not as important as keeping our eyes on God and listening to God.

These godly characteristics will separate us from the worldliness that is around us and will make us a reflection of His light and love.

Prayer:
Lord guide me daily to be like you. Teach me how to be the person that You created me to be. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!