2 Peter 1:2-4
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”
We have considered faith and virtue as qualities that true believers should pursue. This brings us to knowledge and self-control. Whoa, Nelly! I am not sure about you, but I immediately think of Solomon. Here was a man who was complimented by God because he had chosen knowledge over riches. He was known as the wisest man in his time.
In spite of his extensive knowledge, Solomon lacked self-control. Knowledge without self-control becomes a dangerous commodity. Rather than relying upon the infallible Word of God as absolute wisdom, Solomon relied upon his vast knowledge. In so doing he came to the conclusion in Ecclesiastes 1:2: “‘‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'”
It is possible for Christians to amass large amounts of information and knowledge without pursuing the self-control to apply this knowledge as God desires. Over and over we observe overly educated scholars who “know much,” but “minister little.”
I am sure that this lacks grammatical correctness, but I hope you understand what I am trying to say. The measure of a truly wise man or woman is the ability to take God’s Word and apply it skillfully to their life. Jesus loves me, this is I know—He will guide me as I go!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil