Written by That statement was found on most, if not all, of my report cards throughout elementary school. I guess I had a bit of trouble in that area! Those of you who know me well are probably not surprised.
I got to thinking about self-control this week while putting together a sermon series on temptation. I had never really considered the amount of self-control Jesus had to have in order to overcome temptation.
Self-control is at the root of so many problems and sins – overeating, lack of exercise, lust/sexual sins, materialism, envy, laziness, profanity, fits of rage, neglectful prayer life, etc., etc., etc. I think self-control may be a bigger problem than we think.
When I was six years old, I lost control of my bike, went flying over the handlebars, and was knocked out cold. I suffered bumps, bruises and a concussion. When we lose control of our lives, even in just one area, there will be injuries. Bad health, damaged relationships, loss of reputation/influence, broken marriages and abusive behavior are just some of the consequences of a life lacking self-control.
It would be nice if there were “7 Easy Steps to a Self-Controlled Life.” But it doesn’t work that way. Self-control is something the Holy Spirit produces in us as we surrender to His guidance (Galatians 5:22-25). It is not something we get by gritting our teeth and trying harder. But there are some things we can do in order to “get in step with the Spirit.”
I believe one of those things is fasting. Fasting is so neglected in our culture, and yet it is one of the key ways in which we surrender to the guidance of the Spirit. If you can deny one of the strongest appetites you have, which is for food, then you are conditioning yourself to deny other appetites. You will find it easier to say ‘No’ to temptations of the flesh, because you have said ‘No’ to opportunities to eat. Fasting will condition you for self-control and it will strengthen your self-control. It is interesting that Jesus had fasted for 40 days right before he overcame an all-out assault from Satan.
I’m still working on this. I fear that if I received a report card today, it would still say “Jeff Lacks Self-Control.” How about you?
My report cards read, “Terri is a joy in the classroom”
ok, maybe there was something about me talking too much.
Fasting is a discipline that fascinates and scares me. I have committed to a fast for the Greater Dallas Ministries sometime in the next week or two, and I know I should use it as a prayer tool when I have a major decision to make. Yet the fear creeps in on my self control…..
**small aside; in the classroom it was not that I lacked self-control but that I wanted to be “in control” that got me in trouble…..**
I’m there with you. I guess i first realized it taking Greek class. Self-discipline is not one of my strengths!
My report cards said: “Patrick refuses to play with others. And the others deeply appreciate it.”
Does this have anything to do with seeing a photo of yourself in the tube top? Just wondering….
Hand in there Jeff we all lack self control. Satin knows every one of our weaknesses and he knows exacly which buttons to push to make us yield to the temptations. We all have our weaknesses and if any man denies this then he is a liar and the truth is not in him.