Self Control Brings Freedom
When you think of self-control what do you think of? Maybe you think self control hinders you from having fun and feeling free. Maybe you think that all that comes with it is guilt and discipline. Well, you would be right about disciple, but you would be wrong about everything else. Let’s talk about what having self control applies to, why it is important, and how it can actually bring freedom!
First, self control can be applied to relationships, alcohol, speaking, and eating. I have had some people ask me if it is okay to kiss before marriage, since it usually can lead to something else. That all depends on if you can control yourself and keep each other accountable. 1 Corinthians 7:9 expresses, “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” This doesn’t mean to just marry someone quickly for that reason. What you can do instead is set some boundaries as you learn to trust, and know, each other without the factor of kissing. Marriage should not to be taken lightly as it is a bonding of two becoming one flesh (Ephesians 5:31). Many people also wonder if you can drink alcohol as a Christian. Yes, you can. It just says not to get drunk, as Ephesians 5:18 explains, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery..” The verse tells us how it shouldn’t be necessary for you to get drunk. I would say, if you need to be under the influence to enjoy anything, then you need to set boundaries in that area. I say that because you can learn to enjoy life, and have a better self-esteem, when you make some changes to the things that end up leaving you feeling empty in the end. Overeating is also not going to fix your problems. Proverbs 23:20-21 gives us insight into these matters by warning, “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty..” Why do you think you keep going back to abusing those things? It’s because these are (temporarily) fixing your mood and outlook on life.
When you realize what God has done for you, then you will want to live your life differently.
We will get to more of the “why” of that towards the end. Self-control also applies to the way you speak, both to yourself and others. Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” God has extended His grace and love to you by sending His only son, Jesus, to die for you! He saved you for a purpose and He calls you His child! He gives gifts of forgiveness, grace, peace, and more to you! All you have to do is believe that Jesus lived a perfect life that you couldn’t, paid the price you couldn’t (death), and rose defeating what you couldn’t (sin, death, and the devil). Yes, God cares for you that much! All He wants you to do is have faith, believing what He says and what He has done!
Second, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 illustrates why it is important to use self-control when it comes to what you feed your body, how you speak, as well as, what happens when you do believe. The Word reads, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God with your body.” When you believe, you receive God’s Spirit who will help guide you and implement self-control.
You don’t have to do anything by yourself when you are a part of God’s kingdom!
In addition, all God wants to do is build you up so that you can help build others up too! First Corinthians 11:32 explains, “when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.” The third point, goes along with the second, which is the importance of gaining true freedom from self-control. You see, all of these things are addressed in the Bible, not to spoil your fun, but so that you can enjoy life even more! The world leads to destruction and despair. But with the Lord, even correction and discipline come from a place of love to help build people up so they can be stronger and more confident! Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “The thief [the enemy, ruler of the world] comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Now, no one said choosing an alternative to what you know will be easy, but as I mentioned above, you will not be going through it alone! Although none of this can be done perfectly, just your decision to take it on will glorify God, as you look to Him to get you through! The apostle Paul, a minister and writer of the Word, compares this life, and the self-control that pairs with it, to an athlete running a race. You may think “I am not an athlete and I get fatigued fast” but stick with me here! First Corinthians 9:25-27 states, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly…But I discipline my body and keep it under control..” Paul explains how we will be rewarded and see the fruits of the changes we make when we run with, and for, the Lord! God knows we cannot succeed without Him. Therefore, He lovingly gives direction and guidance through His Spirit, while also providing all that we need to run the race (this life). Everyone is trying to chase something, but with God you can be sure to find fulfillment and attain victory as it is found in, and through, Him! So, does self-control bring freedom? I would say yes, but only as you realize the purpose Christ has given for it and the fact that you can rely on Him to have control!
