Self-control…how much SELF is in YOUR control?
C.S. Lewis …in his book Prince Caspian “And so, at last, they got on the move. Lucy
went first, biting her lip and trying not to say all the things she thought of saying to
Susan. But she forgot them when she fixed her eyes on Aslan“
When we speak of self-control many times it is under the thoughts of trying harder,
and strongly disciplining ourselves. The question I put to you is how far does self go in our
self-control and when do we look to God for the strength and the desire to change?
The Bible calls us to self-control in thirteen different passages:
Proverbs 25:28 -A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without
walls.
Titus 2:2; 2:6, and 2:12
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in
faith, in love and in endurance.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.
Taking responsibility for our behaviors and choices is critical. Pushing away from the table,
limiting or eliminating alcohol, keeping our emotions in check, getting proper sleep and
exercise, living within a budget, and providing for our families.
We all have heard the sayings ….
A temper is a valuable thing, spend it, don’t lose it.
The man who keeps a bridal on his temper shoots the truest.
If you don’t buy what you really want, you’ll have money to buy what you really need.
Laugh when you borrow and you’ll cry when you pay.
Whiskey makes a man see double and feel single, but a smile from a good woman is
worth more than a dozen handed out by a bartender
The man who can’t make a choice makes a choice.
You can’t hurt a tongue by speaking softly.
Self-respect is the root of discipline: the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no
to oneself.
Self-discipline is required, but we are not on our own. God is on our side rooting for us,
strengthening us.
When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as Lucy did on Aslan the Susan’s of life take on
less significance.
Remember what we focus on grows ….
I have been bought at a price. I belong to God 1st. Corinthians 6:20
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit Ephesians 2:17
I am assured that all things work together for good Romans 8:28
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected
Philippians 1: 6
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of his life John 15: 1-5
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit John 15… 16
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13
Our past is redeemed, our present makes sense, and our future is secure. We are
finished and done with low living, sight walking ,small planning, smooth knees, colorless
dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed dreams.
Live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor in God‘s
power.
So my self-control happens when I’m God-controlled. Is He on the throne of your heart
or is it self-controlled?
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