The Company We Keep

In 2 Peter Chapter 1 we find seven steps to being a succesful Christian.

If these seven things are added to our faith deliberately, systematically and in the order they are given, we are promised that we will never stumble or fall.

We call them steps, because we have used 2 Peter 1:4-10 as the basis for the "Recover Me...." support program we developed for Christians who deal with destructive strongholds in their lives, and seven steps for successfully doing that are found there. 

Step #3 is found in Verse 6--Add Temperance; Temperance is self control.

If self control is an issue (and of course it always is in dealing with any stronghold),  then checks and balances need to be deliberately worked into our lives that will give us a boost in areas we are weak in.

One of the checks and balances we find in the word of God which has
direct bearing on self control has to do with the company we keep.

We do tend to become more like those we choose to hang out with, and we are admonished in scripture to choose our companions carefully.

We are to keep company only with those who will influence and encourage us towards righteousness.

When we are obedient in this, we find ourselves, not only being more successful in our efforts to be free from strongholds and in our service to God, but also more effective in our witness and ministry to those who do not yet know Christ.

Add temperance...

Which is Self Control