May 5th, 2023: Self-Control

 

Many of us say we won't be able to do much in the morning until we have our first cup of coffee. It is an acceptable addiction, and we don't ask ourselves why. We eventually learn that too much of anything is not a good idea.

Moderation is the idea. The only problem we have in dealing with moderation is self-control. How is often we say to ourselves, 'Just one more drink, one more piece of chocolate, or more slice of garlic toast...'?

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." - 2 Peter 1: 5-7

Self-control happens between having faith and loving in the context of this verse. The immediate benefit of practicing self-control is to have knowledge of ourselves and and God. The ability to differentiate good from evil is fundamental in self-control. 

We continue to fight the battle between yielding to our selfishness and leaning towards God. That is the nature of perseverance. Sometimes it is like living with internal agony. Godliness is a journey of learning to love while experiencing agony.