the power of self control

Folks,

Always remember that "what you do not control, will control you." I wish I could take credit for this statement but it was actually uttered by our own Bishop Wiley during a Sunday morning service. As I thought about these words and their implications, I realized that when I fail to practice self control in any area of my life, it meant I was 'cruising for a bruising.' Thus, Peter's admonition in 2 Peter 1:6 is actually meant to save us from unpleasant outcomes, as a lack of self control will produce devastating if not fatal consequences. Self control implies temperance, patience and moderation, just to mention a few. Thus, a lack of self control creates impatient, ill-tempered and excessive behaviors, usually with devastating results. An uncontrolled temper and anger can deeply hurt those we care about and have resulted in unnecessary tragedies. Uncontrolled sexual desires results in unplanned pregnancies and or sexually transmitted diseases with lasting effects. Uncontrolled eating habits can cause obesity or other health related issues. There is no positive outcome from any behavior that is done in excess. At the the heart of excessive behavior is a lack of self control.

Like you, I too grew up in a culture that praises and encourages excessive indulgence. A culture that tells us it is the right of passage to get drunk on our twenty first birthday. As young people, we live in a culture that encourage and tolerate behaviors the bible speak against, as acceptable at particular stages of our development. But remember, the bible tells us that although we are in the world, we are not of this world (See Rom 12:2, John 17:6, I Corinthians 2:12) . As children of God we cannot act and behave as the world dictates. We take our direction from the word of God! Practicing self control is crucial regardless of age, as it yields lasting results that will positively impact the rest of your life. Moreover, it is a requirement from God! In the past I too due to a lack of self control, indulged in behaviors and made decisions that not only hurt others but have created far reaching effects. Thank God for his grace and forgiveness!! I am now wiser and have learned to exercise self control in my life, which has helped me to make better choices and healthier decisions.

Folks, life is too short and tomorrow is not promised. I urge you to learn from the mistakes and bad choices the generations before have made. There is not enough time to repeat them! Learn to practice self control in all areas of your life through which you will realize the life God truly has for you!

Have a Great Week!!

-GG