Self Control

Nowadays it seems like morality, ethics, and conscientious behavior are deemed old fashioned, thus ushering in a time of audacious characteristics that show a total lack of self control. Profanity has become a second language adopted by the young and old alike. Manifestations of anger, if it does not lead directly to crime, are ignored as tolerable. Licentious behavior and sensual connotations are suggested by almost everything the eye can see, with a clear message that resistance is futile. Alas, the dire temptation to give up self control seems so overwhelming that even the man or woman of God can decide self control is a thing of the past.

A few days ago I received an anonymous quote that stated the will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot keep you. Scripturally this is so. The Lord will not lead us into temptation but we are drawn into sin by our own will (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13; James 1:13-15). Brothers and sisters in Christ the Lord Himself has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb 13:5) but the reaction we make to this promise is within our control. There is the key: self-control. From scripture we get the example of the Apostle Paul reasoning with Felix inActs 24:25 about "righteousness, self control, and the judgment to come." In like manner the Lord is reasoning with us about self control from the wisdom expressed in the Book of Proverbs. "When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you" (Proverbs 2:10-11a).

In my research on the topic of self control, I stumbled across this definition from the utopianworld.org website. Self control is the strength of character to do the right thing even when no one else will ever know and you receive no personal benefit I like this definition as it places the emphasis and responsibility on the individual.

However, I believe there is a misconception in our culture that encourages the concealment of responsibility for our own actions behind deficiencies in our personality. I noticed this being promoted by my website source. The website indicates that a lack of self control, though never to be excused, can certainly be understood due to extrinsic circumstances surrounding an individual, such as lack of self esteem.

This is not in accordance with the divine message of Proverbs 4:23: "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life ." Accountability is always going to be our own responsibility whether you choose to accept it or deny it. What will weaken self-esteem even more is to live in denial of the responsibility of self control, not accept our deficiencies as weaknesses we can conquer, and realize that as an individual one must make the conscious decision to demonstrate strength of character to do the right thing.

Why, oh man of God, is there a veil over our understanding of the Proverbs keeps us from heeding their instructions and being wise? There are many in the world that adopt the philosophy of Confucius and Socrates, yet there is not a philosopher wiser than the Lord. We are all striving to gain some balance in life knowing there are situations beyond our control. Isn't the key controlling self? God gave man a spirit and understanding to choose between good and evil so that as individuals we can take control of ourselves. Thus, when scripture affirms that "whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls" (Prov 25:28) the Bible is refuting the idea that we cannot control self or that a lack of self-control is excusable. Just like ancient cities that were not fortified with walls to protect them from plundering and conquests so too is the man that cannot control himself.

If we accept God's reasoning on self control our response will not be like Felix's of long ago, (Acts 24:25) rejecting self control and rejecting so great a salvation.