SELF-CONTROL

 

Write From My Heart

October 14, 2021

SELF-CONTROL  to exercise authority [i.e., curb, regulate, restrain, direct, command, etc.]  over one’s emotions, desires, etc.

1 Peter 4:7 (NIV) The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

            Today’s verses focus on self-control and its cousin self-discipline. The two words carry similar meanings—the primary difference being self-discipline is generally used to identify action toward a goal of improvement. Most of us struggle with self-control issues of one sort or another and to various degrees. For some it’s curbing the temptations of chocolate or that extra slice of pie or cake. For some it’s watching t.v. or reading when there are chores that should be done. For a few, it is regulating our tempers or attitudes. The point being, each of us has areas in our lives that need extra attention to use restraint or redirect our priorities.

            Let’s look at a few key points in today’s verses that might give us encouragement. The first verse reminds us that as we come closer to the Lord’s return, it is even more important to be the example that might lead others to Christ. Staying clear minded, using self-control, and maintaining a life of prayer enables us to be alert for opportunities to display a life in Christ to others. For the times when temptations seem overwhelming and we do not feel able to bring self-control or discipline into the picture, those are the times we are reminded by the last verse that it is God who provides the strength we need, in the amount we need, and at the time we need it. We have no need to be fearful or afraid for it is God who provides power, love, and discipline in all areas of our lives. Our objective is clear:

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) Be self-controlled and alert.