Power in Self-Control

Self-control is tough, and our culture makes it even tougher. We’re told we ‘deserve’ things and that we should be able to do what we want when we want, just because it makes us feel good. Voices around us tell us we should use our power to do whatever makes us feel good, at least until it offends someone else.

In the reading today, James has a pretty different idea of how we should approach life. Instead of doing whatever we want up until it hurts someone else, he says we should get rid of all the “filth and the evil” in our lives from the get-go. He shows us that the right way to use our power is to use it to exercise self-control in the way we act and the way we speak. We should be slow to speak and slow to get angry, but quick to listen.

In our relationships with others, one of the most loving ways to use our power is to listen to them and care for them. Putting the needs of others before our own desires requires self-control, but that self-control is exactly what God wants from us.

Questions: 

1. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), meaning it is a sign of God’s Spirit at work in us. Why do you think self-control is important? 
2. If someone has poor self-control and treats you badly, how do you think you should respond? Who could you talk to for help? 
3. Is there an area of your life where you struggle with self-control? Come up with a plan now for how you could change your behaviour.

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to have self-control in all areas of my life. Help me to show patience, kindness, and gentleness in the way I speak and act, even when I’m angry or frustrated. I pray that your Spirit will be at work in me, transforming me to be more like Jesus. Amen.