Seven special qualities to keep you from ever falling

“Falling” is a big deal.

The older you get, the more they tell you to work on your balance. 

My wife has permanently banned me from ladders!

We have grab bars, slip strips, stair rails, and a host of paraphernalia to “keep us from falling.”

How about falling spiritually?  

Peter said, “If you practice these (seven) qualities, you will never fall…” (2 Pet. 1:10)

Here are seven spiritual “grab bars” that will keep you from ever falling spiritually:

1. “Faith”

Peter’s list (2 Pet. 2: 5-7) begins with the first thing we stand on:  “We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Faith is the beginning.  It is the foundation.  Without faith, you cannot please God. 

Work on your faith.  Build it by listening to teaching of the Scriptures.  Don’t be satisfied with a “flimsy faith.”  Make your faith “rock solid.”

2.  “Virtue”

On top of faith comes virtue, “excellence, goodness.”

This word means a higher life, an excellent character.  It is said that a person is a “good man (or woman),” meaning that they consistently choose to live with excellence.

I’m working on some of my rough edges!  I’m not satisfied with my patience, kindness, generosity, and other areas of my character that are mediocre.

Keep working at virtue!

3. “Knowledge”

This Greek word “gnosis” is “spiritual knowledge or revelation.”  It is not scientific knowledge.

This knowledge only comes from the Holy Spirit illuminating your mind from the Scriptures.  It is called “revelation.”

This year, purpose to read, study, and receive “knowledge” from the Scriptures.  It adds more and more to faith and virtue.

4. “Self-control”

This fourth quality concerns being master of your body.

Someone has said, “Your spirit is to ruler, your mind is your servant, and your body is your slave.”

The passions, desires, and lusts of the body (particularly your tongue!) try to rule you.

By the Holy Spirit, tell your body that it has no power to rule and control you.  Profanity, pornography, violent temper, addictions, uncontrolled spending, and a host of habits and vices need to be “controlled.”

“Self-control” is a fruit of the Spirit.  Ask Him to help you in any area of your life where the flesh is trying to rule you.

5. “Steadfastness”

This word means “endurance, patience, perseverance.”

It means to “bear up under.”

What situation have you been facing that feels like it will never end?  Be strong in “steadfastness.”

Job is our example.  He never quit believing.  He stayed true to His faith.  

Hang in there by the power of the Spirit.

6. “Godliness”

This word means “devout.”  Cornelius was a man of prayer and devotion.

Work this year on your devotion:  a daily prayer time, Bible reading, fellowship with other believers, and giving.

I have some areas of devotion I am constantly working on year after year.

7.  “Brotherly affection”

This word means “affection for your fellow believer.”

The list starts with “faith” and ends with “love.”

Is there a relationship you need to work on next year?  A grudge, a bitterness, an estrangement?

Flood it with the love of God.

Work on these seven powerful “grab bars.”  Turn them into lifelong habits….and you will “NEVER FALL!”