Self-control. Self-discipline. It's what separates men from boys, professional athletes from amateurs, concert pianists from chop-stick players, achievers from non-achievers. I have yet to know a truly successful individual who did not possess self-discipline or control. Self-control means 'to have power over oneself to master, control, curb, restrain one's own desires so as to accomplish a much higher goal.' Now, when it comes to models of self-control, God the Father obviously does not need to restrain Himself, for He is absolutely holy and exhibits absolute control. But Jesus Christ, in His incarnation, was the epitome of self-control. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet was without sin! He experienced everything the adversary can throw at us, and not once did he falter. He did so by relying upon the same tools available to us: the Word of God and submission to the will of God. And since He successfully faced the same temptations we face He can help us when tempted. He desires for us to exhibit the fruit of self-control produced in us by the Spirit of God! Jesus Christ, by His death on the cross, not only paid for the penalty of sin, but broke the power of sin! We need no longer obey sin's passions, but we can choose to obey God. God works His will through our will. The Spirit of God controls us internally through the fruit of self-control. But we must plan to be winners--to make it our goal in life to please the Lord. Plus we must be willing to make tough choices-- to say 'no' to our passions to say 'yes' to following the Lord. We work out our faith; God works in! The fruit of self-control!
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