If I hear one more person say, “I know it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself,” I think I’ll be sick. Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to be slaves to our passions. We can practice self-control, restraint and self-discipline.
God’s Word offers the following promise. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is not necessary to surrender. The devil doesn’t have the upper hand unless we give in to him.
Peter admonished, “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). He went on to promise,
“… if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins” (2 Peter 1:8-9).
They are not optional matters. Special attention should be given to the fact that self-control is included in the list. Without it, we become slaves to our own wants and desires. When that happens, the devil takes control. Our lives are ruined. Society suffers.
What this nation needs is a good old-fashioned dose of self-control.Abstinence is not a dirty word. Restraint and self-control are essential. The man in the pulpit, the person in the pew, the politician, the policeman and even the protester needs to learn the fine art of self-control. None of us are exempt.
When we speak of self-control, what we are advocating is a life governed by the Word of God. It means that we put God in charge. It requires that his will come before our own. There are only two choices (Matthew 6:24). Will it be Christ or Satan? A life of self-indulgence is a choice for Satan. A life of self-control is a choice for Christ. Which have you chosen?
