Wisdom: The Principle ThingNäide

The Importance of Self-Control

All throughout the Scriptures we are warned about the dangers that come from displaying a lack of self control. Food, laziness, lust, money; all these things have the power to control us if we let it. We are sinful in nature and so prone to worshiping things that bring us fleeting feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Relying on Christ, disciplining ourselves, and examining our hearts with the Word are the only means of fighting against these fleshly desires. When we aren’t being obedient to what the Bible says, sin so easily takes hold of us and causes nothing but destruction.

As believers, we know that we are to live a life that follows that of Christ. We are to die to ourselves and our fleshly desires and obey God. Each person may struggle differently in certain areas of their life, but the fact that sin destroys remains true. It is so easy to become slave to things and fall into the snares of sin. We are weak-minded human beings in desperate need of saving. When we have self-control, which comes from Christ, we can begin to live a life that reflects the righteousness of Jesus. Jesus selflessly sacrificed Himself on our behalf, securing our eternal welfare. He walked in loving obedience to the Father and we must mirror His image. Because of Christ, we possess the power to bring our sins under control and bring glory to God through our obedience to Him. No longer do we have to be slaves to what controls us but freed to pursue a life that walks in loving obedience to the Father. It is so important to stay in the Word and nourish ourselves with the truths that have the power to transform us and our sinful desires. Do you struggle with a lack of self-control in certain areas of your life? There is hope to overcome this. Through the redemption of Christ, we must control our fleshly desires or else they will control us.