Of all possible success attributes, which one is the most powerful?
Self-control is the master aptitude, for with this one strength alone you multiply all others.
In the last days mankind will be “without self-control.” (2 Timothy 3:1-3) There is pressure from a thousand sources: media manipulation, out-of-control government spending, raunchier entertainment, and social media influence. We are already half numb to the perpetual coarsening of culture.
The antidote is to be filled with the Spirit. The nine fruits of the Spirit start with love, then joy and peace. These are all altered states of being, but they lead to patience and meekness, which look more like choices we must make that lead to self-control, probably because self-control is the foundation that supports every other virtue.
Self-control may be the greatest distinguishing mark between those who walk in the Spirit and those who are controlled by their own appetites. Without this we are likened to a city without walls: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28) Imagine invisible walls protecting you, made out of the substance of self-control. This is the power that forms boundaries in your life and keeps in what you cherish and keeps out what is evil. Proverbs 16:32 describes it this way: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
By nature some people are very disciplined and others are not. In fact, some people, like myself, are entrepreneurs by nature. They are hard-driving, stimulus-oriented people, but their work is driven by passion more so than discipline. When the work gets boring, they move on to something else that engages them. These individuals often test low in self-control as an attribute. My friend Rick Joyner reminded me that self-control comes as a gift, however, and all can grab it.
2 Timothy 1:7 says “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” You and I have a spirit within us that operates in power, love and self-discipline…the essence of self-control.
So if you lack this aptitude—ASK for it! God gives to all men freely.
With self-control in place, you can be 100% who you are called to be and do 100% of what you are called to do…and leave nothing undone in all God has for you.
AMEN!!!
This was the exact word I needed to hear! Praise God. I’ve been struggling with self control. I will walk in this wonderful gift my Heavenly Father has freely given me. 2nd Timothy 1:7 is God’s Word to me!
Lance.. got it.. Beautiful commentary on Self Control. I need more of it..!!
However, twice Jesus kicked over tables, made a whip, got folks out of the temple who were using it for commercial reasons. probably because of his passion for keeping the Temple clean from dishonor or humiliating the Temple,. keeping it holy and deserving respect. Come to think of it.. Am sure he used Self-control, he could have done more damage… Just my thinking,,,Keep smiling.. enjoy your commentaries.. ..
Self-control is the bridge between reaction and realization. From birth, an infant grows in self-control.
He learns to pilot his body through self-control. He learns to form words, drink from a cup, visit the toilet when necessary through the many masteries of his self-control.
As an adult, he must be open to continually improving his self-mastery…
Emotions are by far the most challenging phase of this growth.
-e