Articles
Self-control
Self-control
As Paul instructs Titus on teaching the various ‘groups’ in the church, he continually stresses the concept of self-control. The older men are to be self-controlled. The older women are to teach the younger women to be self-controlled. Younger men are to be self-controlled. He had earlier instructed that elders are to be self-controlled. Paul goes on to say that God’s grace teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (vs. 12).
Self-control is a funny idea in one sense for you are the only one that controls you. Others can advise, instruct, and even make demands on your conduct, but you are the one in control of you. Others can make you wish you had controlled yourself.
Serving God is done by choice. God desires, instructs, commands, and even pleads but yet recognizes the choice of people. Hence God desires that we be self-controlled.
Such a simple word is fraught with the biggest of obstacles: ourselves. We have met the enemy and he is us. Not all desires, urges, and pleasures are to be indulged. We must learn to say NO to ourselves. Our inner adult must control our inner child. Our maturity must overrule our childishness.
Our world would be such a nicer place if everyone just controlled themselves, but they don’t. Let us begin to make a difference. Let us begin changing our world by learning this art of self-control. Hugh DeLong
