Self-Control is one of the key elements of the concept of Christian living. Someone will control us. Either we will control ourselves, or others will control us. Spiritually, either God or Satan ultimately control us.
The Psalmist pled with God for help in controlling himself.
Lord, help me control what I say
Don’t let me say anything bad.
Take away any desire to do evil.
Keep me from joining the wicked in doing wrong
Help me stay away from their feasts.
If good people correct me
I will accept it like a warm welcome. (Psalm 141:2-5 ESV)
There are four areas that need controlling alluded to in this passage.
Control My Mouth. The Scriptures are replete with passages that teach the danger of the tongue. We will be judged by our words. Yet, the tongue, according to James, is very hard to control. It tends to lead us instead of us controlling it. We need to strive to not “say anything bad!” We need to refrain from profane and dirty words, but we must also refrain from words of gossip and words that will hurt or destroy others. We should pray for God’s help in controlling our mouths.
Control My Desires. We all struggle with the desires of the flesh. Eve experienced this struggle in the Garden. We must work not to desire to do evil. Sin is attractive and provides “pleasure…for a season” (Hebrews 11:24). We need to fill our minds with ammunition against sin and evil; “thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). We must ask God to help us to overcome these desires. We must learn to be in control.
Control My Company. “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). That is as true today as when Paul wrote it. It is as true for the elderly as it is for the teenager. It is easy to find ourselves “joining the wicked,” and if we do, it will not be long until we are “joining the wicked in doing wrong.” The “feasts” of the wicked look delicious and appetizing, and they attract us like a fish is drawn to a worm that is hiding the deadly hook. We must control ourselves and watch out for the company we keep.
Control My Attitude. The Psalmist asked God to help him to accept it when good people would correct him. We need to welcome the help of those that care about us, as well as about God and His ways. We need to maintain a humble attitude of service and of the realization that we are sinful. I am afraid that many will stand before God condemned because of their attitudes. We must ask God to help us to have the right kind of attitude.
May we gain control with the help of God. May we regain control when we lose it. Then one day, we will not have to worry about it anymore, because we will be in the very presence of God— for evermore, world without end. It will be worth the effort!
