Empowered for Self Control
“[M]ake every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to
goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control” (2 Peter
1:5-6).
A father asked his daughter, who spent too much time watching television, to
begin memorizing Scripture. He chose the verses in Galatians concerning the
fruit of the Spirit as a place for her to begin.
When she was sure she had reached her goal, she began to list the fruit of
the Spirit to her Dad, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and remote control!”
When it comes to the subject of self-control, many of us would like to dodge
the issue. Maybe we would like to think there is a way to put our minds, wills,
and emotions under God’s “remote control.” Instead of having to take
responsibility for our actions and decisions, we think it would be easier for
God simply to control us.
However, God has a more creative plan in mind, and in Christ, He has given
us the ability to choose right over wrong and self-control over emotional
impulse.
Paul warns:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise
but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. . . . be
filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs
from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving
thanks to God the Father for everything, . . . (Ephesians
5:15-20)
Don’t set your heart on having a “remote control” attitude. Dig
deep into God’s Word. Learn what it means to be self-controlled. Pray that you
will reflect His love and self-control to others whose lives are spinning out
of control to encourage and strengthen them in difficult times.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are a gentle God, not a controlling
God. Show me how to live by the Spirit You have so graciously given me. Help me
take responsibility for my actions and live in the fullness of Christ so that
You may be glorified. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.