Add Temperance
Growing is
a great part of being a Christian. Every
Christian should constantly be striving to make his, or her, calling and
election sure. Through a study of 2 Peter 1:5-11, the reader can find commands
teaching the Christian how to do this. By adding what many call “The Christian
Graces” to our lives, we can be sure that we will be given an abundant entrance
into Heaven when we leave this earthly realm.
One of the attributes that the Bible calls on us to take up in 2 Peter
1:5-11 is that of temperance, or self-control.
Self-control
follows after knowledge. The King James Version reads, "and to knowledge
temperance…” (2 Peter 1:6). A better translation of
this passage is found in the American Standard Version where it is translated,
“and in your knowledge self-control.” Because of our increase in knowledge, we
gain self-control. Temperance is a very important quality. Solomon taught, “He that is slow to anger is
better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit
than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs
Self-control
is vital to our spiritual health. The Bible
warns us of what will happen if we do not use our self control. James said, “to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James