Articles
Self-control - Titus 2
Self-control - Titus 2
"He works well, as long as there is constant supervision." I wrote that for a fake character reference for a friend. It is a sad reality that some people need to be micro-managed, as they have no self-control. No one wants to hire a person who has no self-control concerning his work. The Lord doesn't want his people to be that way either.
In Titus, Paul first used “self-controlled” concerning the qualifications for one to be appointed an elder (1:8). Now, in chapter two, he commands it of other believers. Older men are to be self-controlled (2:2), younger women are to be instructed to be self-controlled (2:5), and the young men are urged likewise to be self-controlled (2:6). In verses 11-12, Paul informs ALL of us that the grace of God trains “us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives…”
Much of what God desires of us is based firmly on such self-control. Resisting the offer of adultery as Joseph did, self-control. Turning the other cheek when assaulted for your faith, self-control. Not stealing when it is evident that you would not be caught by men, self-control. Working hard when no one is observing, self-control. Being kind to those who mistreat you, self-control. And so it goes. On the other hand, the yielding to temptation basically involves losing control of self.
Self-control implies both ability and responsibility. God's commandments concerning what we should do, involve the idea that we are able to do such. Being angry and not sinning, working so that we can be generous, telling the truth when confronted about a situation, we are ABLE to do all of these. Thus, we also have the responsibility to conform to these.
Many problem areas in our lives are a direct result of not having self-control. The fact that many do not have enough exercise is usually not because of lack of opportunity, but rather that they chose not to. Not living within a budget is often because we cannot say no to our self-desires. Many addictive behaviors control people because they didn't exercise self-control in the first place. The 'just say NO' drug campaign has proven a failure simply because people refuse to control themselves by saying NO to themselves.
It is self-control that keeps us from sinning. It is self-control that brings about the discipline in our lives. Self-control causes us to do that which is an unpleasant obligation. Self-control brings about putting off immediate pleasure for future benefits. Hence self-control is urged on elders, old men, young women, young men, and upon all who would live godly. Are you in control of yourself?
Hugh DeLong
