How My Faith is Made Ineffective

Let’s say I have faith - I believe God can do anything.  I have virtue - I don’t steel, kill, or lie.  I have knowledge of God’s word and his commandments.  I have self control; I don’t over indulge in anything.  And I am patient.  I am willing to wait for things. I consider myself very godly.  I have all the things going for me on Peters list thus far; faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, patience and godliness (2 Peter 1:4-5).

But…I am unkind.  I tell other believers what I think is wrong in their lives.  I obnoxiously share my faith.  I make everyone dread what I will say or do next.  In my own eyes I am righteous.

 If you have ever dealt with anyone like that, you know the devastation and death it can bring.  That is why we need to diligently add kindness (2 Peter 2:6).  Without it, I make all other qualities void. 

Lady in the Choir

Years ago I had a lady in the choir corner me and say some very unkind things to me.  I attempted to apologize for any unknown infractions, and I explained the reason for my choices in the kindest way I knew how.  My explanations were acceptable to her.  She wanted to be angry at someone and I was the most available person at the moment.  She then proceeded to verbally attack the pastor’s wife.  

It was not enough to have faith, to have virtue, or to know how to act.  I needed to use self control to keep from reciprocating her offense toward me and our pastor’s wife (2 Peter 2:6).

Self Discipline

Let’s continue our analogy of planning to go to Paris.  I have done my research and know where Paris is located.  I know how much I need for the airplane ticket, hotels, tours and meals, but I do not have enough money to go.  Now I need self control (temperance).

I need to save up the money to go.  I need to spend less on going ti the movies, eating out, going on shopping sprees, and buying chocolate.  

So it is with our walk with God. It is not enough to have faith, to be virtuous, to know right from wrong.  We must discipline ourselves to act in the way we know is right (2 Peter 1:6).

Paris Anyone?

Lets say I want to go to Paris.  It is one thing to make the decision to go, but I need to know where Paris is and how to get there.  

I cannot drive my car there from America.  I will most likely have to take an airplane.  I will need to know much money I need to buy the airplane tickets.  How much do I need for hotel rooms, food and tours I want to take?  Who will take care of my three chihuahuas  while I am away?  One needs knowledge.  

So it is with faith and virtue.  At times, despite my good intentions, I have learned that my actions were harmful more than they were helpful. Research and learning is necessary even in the world of faith (2 Peter 1:5).