Five Practical Thoughts on Self Control
Last night in youth group, we discussed the issue of temperance, or self control. This is definitely not something our culture is supporting us in, so how do we win the battle for self control? Here are five tips on establishing self control.
Tip #1 Pray for Self Control
I know at first this sounds cliche´, but it’s probably one of the most important steps you can take. In 2 Chronicles 16:11, David challenges us to “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” We must continually seek God, because we do not have the strength to establish self control in our lives.
Tip #2 Read God’s Word
I know what you’re thinking, heres another one of those “pastor answers,” but stay with me here. Have you ever read through the book of Proverbs? Do you know how many self control issues are covered in just this one book? Pride and humility are mentioned in Proverbs 16:19. Gossip is discouraged in Proverbs 16:28. The angry temper is addressed in Proverbs 16:32. The dangers of lust are articulated in Proverbs 6:23-26. Laziness is even tackled in Proverbs 26:14. The Word of God is filled with help in the area of temperance. We just have to be hearers and doers!
Tip #3 Set Goals
If you have read Philippians 3, it’s not hard to pick up on the objective of the apostle Paul. What are we pursuing? Are you pursuing a Christ-centered life? Establish goals to help you get there! Make those goals specific. Maybe your goal can be something as simple as going to bed at a decent hour so you can wake up to spend time in God’s Word. Or maybe your goal is something bigger that you need to accomplish. Either way, establish goals in your life and pursue them so that you can bring honor and glory to Christ in your life.
Tip #4 Seek Accountability
Another key to help with the development of temperance is to get someone else involved. Find someone you have a relationship with and who is following Christ and request for them to keep you accountable. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Allow a godly friend or mentor to encourage you in the goals you have set to be more like Christ.
Tip #5 Protect Yourself
One of the most important tips for temperance is to protect yourself from yourself. Romans 13:13-14 puts it this way, “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Many of our failures in self control can be brought back to the simple fact that we put ourselves in the position to fail. Usually, if you're on a diet, you don’t make up a plate of snacks and desserts and place them in an easily reached location. You stay away from those types of things so you are not tempted. This same principle is true whether you are dealing with lust, anger, gossip, or any other fleshly struggle. Don’t set yourself up for failure.
