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 16:32).  The Christian has the ability to buffet or govern his body.  “I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage:  lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected” (1 Corinthians 9:27, American Standard Version). 

   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 4:17).  If a Christian knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, and he knows what evil is, and goes ahead and does it anyway, he has a serious problem.  If we do not do what we know is right, we are in sin.  If a person is doing this he needs to work hard at discipline and self-control. The Christian must add this quality to his life.  We have to avoid those things we know to be sinful.  We must do those things that are right.  We must have self-control.