Self-Control for Christians

When it comes to Christian character, self-control is probably one of the most difficult traits to master. This is understandable since we are being bombarded daily with ads, books, magazines and even television commercials promoting all kinds of self-indulgences. It seems that everyone is fixated on instant self-gratification which is why there is such a problem today with things such as drugs and alcohol.

The apostle Paul told the church that while we can't avoid people of the world who practice excessive self-indulgence we are not to socialize with those who call themselves Christians yet practices over indulgence. "...you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people." (1Cor.5:11)

Christians are to live a life that is pleasing to God but with so many temptations being forced on us every day it sometimes feels like we're fighting a losing battle. It's difficult when we struggle to gain self-control only to backslide time and time again.

Jesus died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly, but the devil steals everything away from God's children by offering them anything they want to satisfy the flesh. People need to realize that when a person centers on self, too much still isn't enough because the flesh will always want more.

Since we live in the land of plenty, we as Christians should be more diligent in developing self-control. We are the salt of the earth and are supposed to be above such things and lack of self-discipline does a lot of damage to our testimony.

Even though we have freedom in Christ we are not to abuse this freedom. God is not mocked and we will reap what we sew. God chastises those who belong to Him and when we do things we know are wrong He can take us down a peg or two in order to get our attention.

Paul said that we are to always exercise self-control and not let anything gain control over us. "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1Cor.6:12)

Self-indulgence leads to disappointment and we become seriously dysfunctional which leads to anger, depression and insomnia which results in a lack of self-control. When anything causes us to sin we are to cast it away from us and most self-indulgence leads to sin which is why self-control is so important in the life of a Christian.

Today's media inundates the public with images of the good life which is all lies. Busy hands make a clean mind and the view from our front porch is better than the view from our living room sofa. Paul warned against lack of self-control. "Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires." (Rom.6:12)

However, while self-control is extremely difficult to master, it's not impossible. We need only to be aware of our weaknesses so that we can avoid the things that tempt us. We don't have to jump headlong into abstinence which, unless it's empowered by God, doesn't usually work anyway. Simply practicing some light self-control each day will help us overcome small battles and Lord willing we can conquer the things that seem to have such control over us.

Self-indulgence is a trap because the more we get the more we want. When we indulge in things such as anger, sexual promiscuity, drugs, or alcohol it always turns on us. We indulge because it makes us feel good but in the end we don't do it to feel good, but to keep from feeling bad.

Self-control is the mind's power over the body. A good example is anger management. People who can't control their anger feel empowered when they lose their temper and blow off steam. This is an illusion. The opposite is actually true. When people lose their temper they have lost control of their emotions. "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city." (Prov.16:32)

Jesus spoke sternly to the religious leaders of His days but He never lost His temper. Matter of fact He was very patient considering the fact that He couldn't even eat or rest for the people who thronged around Him. He was always in control. Paul said that anger is sin and that we shouldn't give in to it. "And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.' Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Eph.4:6)

Another good example is sex which can be a powerful a force in a person's life and those who lack self-control in this area are on seriously troubled waters. "Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, 'The two are united into one.' But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him." (1Cor.6:15-17) This is a sobering reality.

It has been said that a person satisfying a high appetite for sex is no different than a person satisfying a hardy appetite for food. The Bible disagrees. Of all sins that we commit, sexual sin is to be most avoided. The scriptures are crystal clear on this subject. "Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body." (1Cor.6:18)

Drugs and alcohol have become a serious problem today, especially with teenagers. Public schools are said to be overrun with drugs, many of which come from the medicine cabinets in their own homes.

However, the most common problem today as far as self-control is concerned is food. Is it any wonder though? Food is something we can't avoid. It's constantly flashed before us on billboards, Internet, television, magazines and even talked about on the radio. Then once we realize that we've gained the weight, it's nearly impossible to lose.

Most all self-indulgence is a trap of the devil but as Christians we have the power to overcome. "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1Jn.4:4)

As children of the living God we have the power through Christ to overcome our weaknesses. Those of us who have lost self-control in certain areas can take it to God in prayer and ask for the strength of self-discipline to resist the things which tempt us so easily. Also, keep in mind that Jesus was tempted just as we are so He knows and understands our weaknesses.

Nevertheless, our love for Him and our desire to stand before Him with a clear conscience should motivate us to agree with Paul who said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me- the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."

Self-discipline seems to be something that most of us have problems with but living in a country that offers such an abundance of just about everything a person could want makes it extremely difficult. There is temptation around every corner and it seems as though we are always confronted with one thing or another.

But when we trust in Jesus Whose love and understanding surpasses all human understanding, we can draw strength from Him to overcome. "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Phil.4:13)

Self-control is very important because unlike the things Satan offers our flesh, self-control gives us true power which not only improves our lives but enables us to help others who are struggling.

But we should never let anyone judge us in what we allow which is between us and God. This is what Paul told the church about anyone who dared to judge him. "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self." (1Cor.4:3) Furthermore, we should be careful when judging another Christian since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Lastly, since none of us are guaranteed another day of life we should strive to live every moment in service to Christ and pleasing God. This is not our true life. Our real life is in Christ which is why it is so important that we endeavor to fight the good fight like Paul and practice self-discipline which can greatly improve the quality of our walk with God. But when we fall short, we have an advocate with the Father Who understands our weaknesses.

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