Articles
Self-Control
There is no better illustration of self-indulgence and lack of self-control than the story of David with Bathsheba. David’s wantonness and unbridled lust for her created many years of heartache for his family. Self-control is self-restraint, the opposite of unrestrained. It is self-discipline as opposed to self-indulgence. W.E. Vine calls self-control “holding the passions and desires in hand.” Self-control demands the power to control the will as it is influenced by the will of God. Another word for self-control is temperance. Temperance includes “dominion over all desires, and may denote chastity, self-rule, moderation in all indulgences, as well as abstinence from intoxicating drinks.”
An illustration of self-control is an athlete (1 Cor. 9:25-27). Temperate here refers to the discipline of the athlete. A winning athlete is able to command his mind so that he can require his body to perform. He disciplines himself in his training, which may not always be pleasant, to concentrate on one thing. Regarding self-control Paul said, “I keep my body under subjection…” Another version says, “But I buffet my body and make it my slave….” In other words, the body makes a good servant but a poor master. The idea of “buffet” is self-discipline.
Many may have the idea that being a Christian is like being a member of a social club. It’s easy, and you can take it or leave it. However, being a Christian demands self-discipline. If I say, “I’ve got a problem in my life and I just can’t help it,” then where do I go from there? Studying another scripture won’t change the problem. What good will it do if I am not in possession of my own will? Finding out what I should do won’t help a bit unless I can discipline and control myself to make the necessary corrections in my life. Achieving control of our own will may not always be easy. It requires that we surrender our comfort zones, our fears, and control of ourselves to God.
Are we willing to endure the cuts, bruises, and scars of life? Are we willing to endure the bruises of the spirit when somebody insults us or hurts our feelings? It requires tremendous self-control to endure life. It requires tremendous self-control to endure. We won’t get the job done until we’re able to say no to ourselves or to people who want us to do wrong. Nor will we get the job done until we’re willing to say yes and then do whatever we’ve committed ourselves to.
