In last weeks post I shared with you what adding Excellence of character and knowledge to your faith looks like, and in this weeks post we will unpack verse 6 – which continues to roll out more rungs on the metaphorical “Ladder of Faith”. These three virtues are self-control, perseverance, and godliness.

Self-control is not only a virtue, but it is also the last named fruits of the Holy Spirit of God living within you. It is the evidence of transformation happening within the regenerate heart. Self-control is the byproduct of that virtue listed a week ago, namely excellence of character! See, faith is not just a matter of obtaining salvation, it is a matter of denying oneself daily of its desires to carry out the natural tendencies of the flesh, and clothing oneself with the righteousness that has been imputed to us by the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Those who are in Christ have crucified their flesh and it’s passion and desires, they recognize that they are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness. This takes a-lot of intentionality and self-control, which is why it is in this list of virtues for every believer!
Perseverance is a fitting virtue to follow Self-control, because it takes quite a bit of enduring strength to overcome all of the temptations that are constantly fighting for our allegiance. In the face of constant adversity, Peter is instructing a group of believers who are being persecuted for naming Jesus as their King to stay in the game, to stand strong, to run the race, to stick-to-it! He is adding this rung on top of having a foundation built upon faith, with excellent character, having knowledge (both experientially and intuitively), self-control in overcoming temptations, and finally to remain strong in that faith as they persevere.
Godliness comes as the next virtue sort of unexpectedly. I say this because it is pretty much expected that anyone who has faith and all of the other virtues listed here would be godly, right? Well, I don’t believe that this should be assumed, and unfortunately it is all too often presumed based upon the outward piety of those who put on the “Godly” show in the name of religiosity but are not at all living the virtuous lifestyle of godliness. It is possible to dress the part and know the lines without ever actually being in the play. Godliness then should be understood (in my humble opinion) as “God-like-ness”, and yes that is something that each person of faith should be virtuously seeking to add to our lives as we climb the “Ladder of Faith”!
I hope that as we grow in our understanding of living a virtuous life by growing in our knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, we will be compelled to pay attention to any deficiencies that we have in these areas, because just like a ladder with a cracked rung will undoubtedly stop your advancement upward, so will an incomplete and immature life of faith stop you from advancing in your worship of and your witness for God. God bless you. ~ Mark