Self-Control

“We must realize that the battle for self control is fought primarily within our own minds; it is a battle with our passions, thoughts, and desires. In those areas where we have failed to curb our appetites and emotions, we seem to have invisible antennae sensitively attuned to the corresponding temptations. The proverbial "chip on his shoulder" describes the person whose antennae is constantly searching for the minor incident that you can magnify into an occasion for losing his temper. The person who habitually yields to some bodily appetite or lust is constantly alert for opportunities to indulge that carnal desire. We must learn to say no to those passions when they first enter our minds.

Above all we, we must pray for the inner strengths of will necessary to curb our passions and desires. It is God who works in us to will and to act. Our own particular areas of vulnerability must be made the subject of earnest, beseeching prayer for God’s grace to work in our wills. At the same time we must realize that the will is strengthened by obedience. The more we say no to simple desires, the more we will be able to say no. But to experience this, we must persevere through many failures. A large part of learning self – control is breaking bad habits and replacing them with good ones....

As we grow in the grace of self-control, we will experience the liberation of those who, under the guidance and grace of the Holy Spirit, are freed from the shackles of self – indulgence and are brought into the freedom of true spiritual discipline.

(From The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges)



Proverbs 1:2-4

The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. 3  Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. 4  These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.

Proverbs 21:23

If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Don’t be a fool who doesn’t realize that mindless offerings to God are evil. 2  And don’t make rash promises to God, for he is in heaven, and you are only here on earth. So let your words be few.

When we enter the house of God, we should have the attitude of being open and ready to listen to God, not to dictate to him what we think he should do.

Acts 24:25

As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”

Paul’s talk with Felix became so personal that Felix grew fearful. Felix, like Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17, 18), had taken another man’s wife. Paul’s words were interesting until they focused on “righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come.” Many people will be glad to discuss the Good News with you as long as it doesn’t touch their lives too personally. When it does, some will resist or run. But this is what the Good News is all about—God’s power to change lives. The Good News is not effective until it moves from principles and doctrine into a life-changing dynamic. When someone resists or runs from your witness, you have undoubtedly succeeded in making the Good News personal.

Galatians 5:22-23

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.

The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control—we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to his (see John 15:4, 5). We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law—to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?

Because the God who sent the law also sent the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of God’s law. A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfills the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart.

My Ramblings

Are you disciplined even under difficult circumstances?  Say no to the temptation to indulge every appetite.  Substitute an old habit with a new one: praise, don’t complain; support, don’t argue; encourage , don’t brag.

All of that is made easier, if you have turned over control of your life to God.  And with that control gone; you can become “His good and faithful servant.”  then you have only to do the next thing He gives you to do.