What is the value of self-control? Self-control is that which enables us to
hold our tongues when we are tempted to viciously put someone in his place
once and for all; or when we know a juicy bit of gossip that would be
entertaining to the group and would turn us into the "life of the party"; or
when an occasion almost demands that we betray a confidence that must not be
betrayed under any circumstances.
Self-control is that which enables us to control our passions when another
is provoking us to anger; that keeps the clinched fists in the pockets when
the agitator is only half our size; that keeps the lips sealed when another
is railing and swearing at us. Self-control is that which enables us to be
like our Lord "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He
suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges
righteously"
(1 Peter 2:23).
Self-control is that which enables us to maintain purity of heart and to
thrust out evil thoughts before they can take root; that enables us to place
the best possible construction on another person's actions when unproven
rumors could easily destroy our confidence in him; that helps us to maintain
a cheerful disposition when everything around us has turned sour.
Self-control is that which enables us to love the unlovable and to hate that
which the world loves.
Self-control is that which enables us to rule our appetites; to say "no"
when our lusts would lead us to sin or when that which is harmful to our
health is placed before us. Self-control is that which enables the smoker to
put down his cigarettes and the alcoholic to put down his drink and never
return to it. Self-control is that which enables us to rule rather than to
be enslaved.
The Bible does not glorify the indifferent and impassive. It is not our goal
to be uncaring. To be like Paul, we must be able to have our spirit stirred
within us when we are surrounded by evil
(Acts 17:16).
To be like our Lord, we must sometimes feel anger when surrounded by
hypocritical self-righteousness
(Mark 3:5);
we must even react with occasional outbursts of goodness on occasions, as
when the Lord cleansed the temple
(John 2:13-17).
But, all such outbursts must be tempered with self-control, that in our
anger we "do not sin"
(Ephesians 4:26).
God does not view our uncontrolled actions with amusement. Our temper
tantrums and harsh, unbridled words are soul threatening, a potential bar to
the abundant entrance into the Lord's everlasting kingdom
(2 Peter 1:5-11).
We must not minimize the danger. We must not surrender to this evil.
What is the value of self-control? It is one of the qualities that enable us
to go to heaven. The possessor of it is rich indeed.
.
Other Articles by Bill Hall
By Grace Through Faith
... but When?
Good Leadership
Christians With No
Denominational Ties
Two
Men Can't Agree on Religion
Two Men Know They Are Saved
The Church's Purpose
Attitudes Towards the Weak
The Booing Spectators
Two Men Disagree With the Preacher
For Past Auburn Beacons go to:
www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm
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