Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
but a wise man keeps himself under control." Proverbs 29:11
This verse addresses issues hotly debated in society today, posing the question of self-control. Is there such a thing and if so, how do we achieve it? Many believe we are little more than lusty animals, however more highly developed, with limited ability to control our emotions or actions. As such, should we be forcibly restrained or merely allowed to run wild and free in expressing ourselves?
But what about consequences? Who's responsible if things don't turn out well? Do we teach abstinence from sex, drugs and drinking or do we provide protection so no one gets hurt? Will condoms, clean needles and supervised drinking ensure that? Should we set high standards of behavior or make excuses for people's failure, ultimately enabling them to indulge in activity they are not physically, emotionally or intellectually ready for? Some "kids" have always had sex, drank beer, smoked and used drugs, and abstinence programs will never achieve 100% adherence to higher values; but where do we start? Should young people be told they shouldn't engage in sexual activity, for instance, then advise them on ways to prevent pregnancy if and when they surely lose control – or do we insist on a moral stand of no sex until marriage? This generation of young people is more educated concerning matters of sex, the dangers of drinking, smoking and doing drugs than any other; yet many still smoke, do drugs, drink and drive - and die young – while the pregnancy rate is as high as it's ever been. Something isn't working. If these strategies and results were prevalent in any business, it would be shut down!
So what will work? A spirit of power, love and self discipline (NIV) – self-control (RSV). 2 Timothy 1:7 How about the concept of personal responsibility? If you break it – you buy it or fix it. I'm not advocating a heartless disregard for people who make mistakes, but we've got to get back to the realization that there are consequences to everything we do. If you reason out a course of action or foolishly react without thinking to stimulation and are then willing to accept the risk and responsibility for them, then go for it. But don't expect somebody else to fix it for you if things don't go as you expect or follow a natural path you didn't consider or want.
Where or when are you most likely to lose control? When angered, at play, facing new opportunities and possibilities? We are often excited by temptation itself. Can we get away with doing something risky or forbidden? How far can I go without actually getting hurt or caught? Cheating, lying and taking advantage are all forms of lost control as well. So how do we guard against losing control? Realizing the need and wanting to be in control is a good first step. Being spirit-filled is key to success, because no one can actually exercise total self-control on their own.
Paul's letter to the Galatians mentions the fruit of the spirit as opposed to the acts of the sinful nature. And while all the spiritual fruit appears desirable, upon further consideration, eight show themselves to be the natural outgrowth of the first. Love produces joy, giving us a sense of peacefulness, fostering patience, kindness and goodness – initiating faithfulness to God and our fellowmen, helping to create gentleness in our character. All these contribute to our development of self-control. (Galatians 5:19-23) Being spirit-filled means being, "…strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Achieved by putting) on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10,11 The result being not sinlessness but a stronger desire and ability to follow God's will to a more productive lifestyle; a life lived fully with energy and direction. A balance of freedom and control. Peter echoed Paul's call for a progression of life-enhancing spiritual characteristics – Paul's beginning with love, Peter's culminating in it; "For this very reason 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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive." 2 peter 1:5-8
Being strong, learning restraint and bearing fruit takes effort as well as character. Peter admonishes us to, "…prepare your minds for action;…" (1 Peter 1:13), while Paul points us to that which will enable us to persevere during trying times as well as standing strong for righteousness. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth… the breastplate of righteousness… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition… take up the shield of faith… the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:14-17
In reality, self-control is a misconception. None of us has much on our own, something out-side ourselves must induce or enforce it. We must make the effort to exercise control but the power that enables us to do so comes from elsewhere; for the Christian – the word, the Spirit, the desire to listen and obey. All others live their lives according to their fear of the law or by a moral code of their own making. Paul instructed Timothy to, "…train yourself to be godly." 1 Timothy 4:7 Is that really necessary? Don't we do that in every other area of life we seek to be successful in? We prepare for success in our chosen professions by attending school and continue on-the-job training to increase our productivity. We spend countless hours practicing athletic skills for a ninety minute game. Material on the delivery and raising of children abound, as do how-to books on the art of getting the most out of relationships and marriage. Manuals outline strategies for achieving monetary security in our fun-filled youth as well as during our fulfilled golden years, with burial plans to help when the inevitable finally happens. Why should our experience of knowing and understanding God be any different. Train yourself to be godly, like studying for finals or doing lay-up drills – over and over again – preparing your minds to automatically respond to opportunities to serve or to unequivocally resist temptation. Anticipate, practice, prepare; know the material!
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Ephesians 4:8 (See also 1 Corinthians 9:25-27) Therefore, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to (recognize) God's …good, pleasing and perfect will."; and establish a spirit – controlled awareness of self. Romans 12:2
Rate it:
"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from
Choking can be Hazardous to Your Eternal Health
Read Article »Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.