self-control is maturity

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Tonight I started reading Blomberg and Kamell's commentary on James for a future book report. It's really good so far. But one part really stood out at me for what they said so succintly, something I tried to say over three blog posts last year about self-control as a marker of Christian growth. As part of the commentary on James 1:4, And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, they write,
James describes this work as "perfect" or "complete"...This expression can denote not only perfection but maturity, as frequently in the OT with the Hebrew equivalent tamim. Both meanings seem intended here: we can aspire to maturity in this lifetime, but we will ultimately attain perfection in the eschaton. As believers, we must constantly strive for perfection, even while knowing that we will never fully reach it until our resurrection and glorification. p. 50
Previously they wrote about endurance or steadfastness that "this is not a passive virtue but a steady clinging to the truth within any situation...In short, 'patience is faith stretched out.'" p.49

One of my struggles is pride. I am a proud man and frequently perceived as arrogant. That does not resemble Jesus. I need to repent frequently. I think progress for me is repenting sooner rather than later. But if I'm not controlling it, maybe I do once in awhile, but at least repenting of it sooner, I'm maturing, which is a good thing. Lord, help me grow up.

Comments

Admin. said…
John,

Thank you for your thoughtful posting. I agree about the essential nature of self control to our spiritual well being. Please consider a short reading i posted on my blog in echo of your sentiment.

http://staffordsgreenhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/putting-ones-self-aside.html?utm_source=BP_recent
December 02, 2010
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