Self-control speaks to a moderation in the exercise of our
natural desires. We like to eat but are warned against gluttony, we like humor
but are warned against coarse joking, we like to sleep but are warned against
laziness. Often when we speak of self-control, we talk about it in the context
of abstinence from sinful behaviors and this certainly is appropriate. However, in this study, I want to encourage
you to not only look at the so-called “big sins” but to be mindful of those “smaller”
things that we may indulge in because we make excuse that they are not really a
big deal. Lunch on a regular basis with a co-worker (just because you are a
woman and he is a man, both married to someone else, and sharing intimate
details with one another is not a problem…right?). Working on tasks for my small
business after work hours at my regular 9-5 job (no big deal since I’m no
longer on the clock, even though I’m using the printer, printer paper and ink, additional
electricity, and office supplies…right?).
2 Peter 1:5-9 says: 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. For
if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from
being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they
have been cleansed from their past sins.
This nearsightedness that is synonymous with blindness means
to envelop with smoke, to inflate with self-conceit, to be high-minded, and to
be lifted up with pride. There is an applicable expression used that one “cannot
see the forest for the trees”. This nearsightedness makes us actually blind to
the full reality before us. Our lack of self-control is often spurred on
because we are so focused on the here and now…what we want in this moment…what
feels good for today. We are painfully nearsighted, disregarding the fact that
we have been cleansed from the sins of our past and are now called to greatness
in Christ. In this 2 Peter passage, we are encouraged to allow the named
qualities to increase within us so that we will not be ineffective and unproductive,
forgetting that we have been delivered and instead returning to the sins of the
past.
May we be mindful to nurture the Spirit within us and
cultivate the fruit…especially the virtue of self-control…so that we may be
effective and productive in our calling from our Lord Jesus Christ and so that
we may partake in the protection that comes from the Spirit of God.
Proverbs
25:28 - A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without
walls [open to attack].
