The Fruit of the Spirit…Self-control
Many people are on an exercise program of one form or another…to be healthy. One of the results of exercise is stamina, endurance and a sense of well-being.
So! Physical exercise has many benefits and so does being spiritually fit.
Consider the following Scripture passage:
(NASB) 2 Peter 1:5-7 “…applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.”
Developing spiritual ‘muscles’ takes work, daily work-outs will strengthen you physically and daily spiritual work-outs will strengthen you in your faith.
Just as you begin to see a change in your body from regular physical exertion, you will notice a change in your attitude and your motives toward God, others and even yourself…by exercising your faith ‘muscles’.
Begin with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His divine promises to you.
Step 2 exercise your faith in Christ to develop energy – virtue
Step 3 by exercising excellence (virtue) you will develop knowledge – of God and His ways
Step 4 exercising your knowledge of God and His word you will begin to develop self-control (one area of self-control is how you respond to others)
Step 5 from self-control you will discover you are developing patience and endurance (be encouraged, your spiritual work-out is having results!)
Step 6 patient endurance (steadfastness) will develop godliness in your character
Step 7 exercising godliness will develop the spiritual muscles for brotherly affection
Step 8 exercising affection for other followers of Christ will result in developing Christian love (and godly love goes well beyond loving only other believers in Christ).
Christian love, what a wonderful goal when a spiritual regimen is followed. Exercise, spiritual exercise, is to develop your faith in the divine promises of God.
Self-control is one of the keys to a healthy spiritual life…when will you begin to implement your spiritual exercise of faith?