Self-Controlled

Wouldn't it make things a lot easier, if when we wandered too close to dangerous, “ungodly“ areas, God would send down the arms, blink the red lights and sound the warning bells, like a freight train was coming through? We all want to be self-controlled, well some more than others, when it comes to diet, personal organization, or commitment to exercise.  Problem is, we are oh so easily led astray.  And we excuse our lack of self control on an inherited weakness, busyness, or my favorite, “At least I’m not as bad as so and so.”  When we accept Christ, we receive his Holy Spirit.  That is a given, if you have truly been converted.  This supernatural power is hard-wired in us, prompting us to steer clear of sin, but we also have our own free will.  Ah yes, free will, man can that get us into trouble!  But, like a wild horse, free will can, and must be tamed and brought under control.   Peter urges us all, in this passage, to add to our faith a generous helping of moral excellence and self control.  God isn‘t going to judge us on a scale, we‘re either under control or in rebellion.   I desire to share in His divine nature, but it is our choice.  Choose wisely.  “And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.” 2 Peter 1:5-7. So when you come to that inevitable “RR crossing” in your life, Stop, Look and Listen, as you develop in your faith.