LIVE A SELF-CONTROLLED LIFE

30th SEPTEMBER 2022

“Like a city whose walls are broken through, is a person who lacks self-control” – Proverbs 25:28

What would you do if you knew today was your last day on earth? Asked differently, if you knew you would be meeting Christ face to face before this time tomorrow, what habits would you drop immediately? What would you CHANGE about your life over the next 24 hours?

Many of us have habits that pull us down rather than lift us. Up. The best way to live a dignified life as a faithful follower of Christ is to live each day of your life knowing that someone is watching you and judging every of your behaviour. While we struggle to actualize our desires, we must exercise self-control not to derail from the path and the footsteps of Christ. Being self–controlled has to do with how we behave or carry on our lives in the midst of others. To be self-controlled is to restrain one’s emotions or behaviour; to bridle one’s passions; to enforce boundaries upon oneself.

A self-controlled Christian should never indulge in sinful desires or lusts. While a Christian may make good money and become very rich, he must not fall in love with money. He may own nice material things, but he doesn’t value things more than God or human life. Why the need for self-control? Without self-control, it’s easy to go off course and to wonder like a rudderless ship on the ocean – which can be blown off by tides or even sink entirely! Without self-control, it becomes pretty easy to fall prey to contrary forces and the evil machinations of men.

Peter tells us, “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” – 1 Peter 4:7.  This means in addition to a clear mind, we must have self–control as well. Self-control gives us the strength to pray during these last days. The days have become volatile and precarious. Every child of God must become spirit-filled to withstand these crises through prayers. It is by the spirit that we conquer, not by the flesh; you must be solid and spirit-filled, ready for the days of battle. There is only one key to self–control, which is that; you must vehemently refuse your only three enemies – the world, the flesh and the devil to rule or hold you captive in any way. Christ has already given you victory over these three enemies. Therefore, these enemies have no power over you anymore, EXCEPT you willingly invite them back into your life.

Self-control places you on the right track to fulfilment and self-actualization. Self-control earns you respect – for you are not given to greed and avarice. Self-control puts you a million miles ahead of the rest of humanity – for you have become a beacon of light for others to see and follow. The Scripture is telling us today to have self–control to fortify us against attacks by the enemies. Therefore, starting from today, endeavour to live a spirit-filled life of boundaries within God’s word and self-control.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I submit myself to you today, and I ask for the spirit of self-control. Lord, I renounce every ungodly attitude that had till this moment dominated my life and blindfolded me against your word and my destiny. Lord, I declare I am strengthened today by your grace, and your mighty hands set me free. I am free indeed. Thank you, Lord. AMEN

FURTHER READING:  1 Corinthians 9:27; Proverbs 16:32; 1 Peter 4:7