Self-control is a key ingredient in the life of every believer, and 2 Peter 1:5-8 tells us to "make every effort" to add it to our faith.
Self-control helps us recognize the difference between needs and desires (Philippians 4:11-13). It allows us to relate to other people unselfishly (Philippians 2:3-4). And it helps us put God’s kingdom above our own kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
But Christ-followers are different because the grace of God "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...." Titus 2:11-12
Through the power of Christ we can have the self-control to be a good employee, good parent, good spouse, and good neighbor.
Are you lacking self-control in any area of your life? Ask God's help and memorize some of the Scripture passages below.
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Some good verses to ponder:
2 Peter 1:5-8: "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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For 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."
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control."
Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Proverbs 25:28: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."
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Bible Love Notes
Yes I do lack self control in some areas of my life. I like chocolate a bit too much lately!! I'm not going to stop enjoying chocolate as that is not as important as staying in bed too long and missing my time with the Lord. I am going to continue working on moving myself off the bed in the morning...which means getting to bed!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great reminder Gail!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of sins such as lying, sexual sin, anger, stealing (shoplifting), lust. They all can be part of our past if we exercise self-control!
I am surrounded (I work with them) by people with disabilities who many of them are slaves to their bad habits. Psychology teaches us that that is who they are and they just need to re-direct their emotions or temptations. I think we have a great God that can put these sins to death!
Love ya!
Looking forward to reading your next week's topic, Judith!
ReplyDeleteI love what you said here: "And it only grows and takes root in us as we practice it." That's so true. How can we develop it or what good is it if we don't practice it and use it?
ReplyDeleteI can definitely use more self-control. I can't exercise right now other than my PT exercises and slow walking. So I really need self-control over my snacking habits lately or I am going to grow like a balloon, lol!
And, of course, I am not always as disciplined as I should be in regards to my quiet time with the Lord as well. Not to mention I have to be careful with my back and sometimes I do too much and then I suffer for it.
Thank you so much for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
I think self-control is the most important issue that Bible always emphasize to be at right path. If we can control ourselves then we can get the right path of Jesus easily! But hour heart doesn't allow!
ReplyDeleteSelf control is something that needs to be continually worked on. And one ara that I ask God daily for help. It may be a constant challenge, but the end result is worth any effort it may take.
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