“Like a city whose walls are broken
through is a person who lacks self-control.”
(Proverbs 25:28 NIV)
Self-control… is a governance or prudent
control of one’s desire, cravings, impulses, emotions, and passions. It is
saying no when we should say no. It is moderation in legitimate desires and
activities, and absolute restraint in areas that are clearly sinful.
Self-control is unpopular in many
circles. Our culture offers many temptations and encourages us to fulfill our
desires. Go ahead, experience it. Buy it.
Try it. It’s your right. You’ve earned it.
Most of us recognize boundaries that
tend to restrain us from obvious sins, but otherwise we pretty much live as we
please. Knowing it is easy for us to say yes instead of no, and indulge sinful
desires, God emphasizes self-control repeatedly. It is even listed as a fruit
of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). You see, this self-control is not control
by our own willpower, but rather control through the Holy Spirit’s power.
-- Jerry Bridges in “Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We
Tolerate,” Discussion Guide by Stephen Sorenson
#4621
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