Self-Control

 Self-Control

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8) [Emphasis Added].

Self-Control or temperance is one’s ability not to let the use of what is good in moderation become excessive. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13).

Having one’s affections set on worldly things, meat, drink, clothes, recreation, entertainment, to the point that one loses sight of the blessed hope is a lack of self-control. Almost anything can become an idol. Little children, guard yourselves from idols (1 John 5:21).

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Living in this excessive society makes this virtue all the more necessary. Learn to feed your soul before you feed your desires. If you do that, your desires will become godly. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4).

Heavenly Father with so many things upon which we can set our affections in this world, we need your grace. Lord, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Cause us to look constantly to You the Author and Finisher of our faith. Help us to set our minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Amen.