“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV
Grace Perspective:
The Apostle Peter, who wrote this, understood the importance of self-control and the consequences of failing to control oneself. Peter was often impetuous and spoke without thinking (I identify with him), later regretting his careless words. He knows from experience that self-control leads to steadfast godliness, which helps us grow in affection for others and express the love of Christ.
Self-control means we don’t allow our flesh to guide our decisions but seek God to direct our choices. Self-control gives us the strength to purposely live from love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness (the fruit of the Spirit). With the Holy Spirit empowering us, we can live self-controlled lives that enable us to grow in our knowledge of God and reflect the love of our Savior.
A Touch of Grace:
What area in your life do you need more self-control?
Write a prayer asking God to strengthen you in areas where
self-control is weak.
Grace Application:
Self-control is essential as we seek to know God more deeply. We see the word “self” in this, and I don’t know about you, but “self” triggers a whole host of thoughts. I know myself well enough that if I’m not careful, my selfish part will use control for my own gain.
Does anyone struggle with self-image? I do. I remember a time when looking good and being at the ‘perfect’ weight so I looked cute consumed my life. Don’t get me wrong, self-control in eating, exercising, and resting is essential, but what is the motivation for controlling these? Is it so others look at me and say, ‘Girl, you look good!’ or am I motivated by a desire to please God? Honestly, it was the first response I sought for most of my life. I wanted the praise of others more than pleasing God. Ugh…self without the Holy Spirit’s help, I’m a mess. When I’m tempted to despair that I’ll never gain ground in this area, I remember Who lives inside me and where I need to turn for help.
Dear Friend, we aren’t meant to rely on ourselves for self-control. God provides the strength we need to be controlled by the Spirit; we just need to ask Him for help. He promises to give us the strength to fight against our selfish desires. (Psalm 141: 1-3, Matthew 6:9-15) Our job is to trust Him to provide us with what we need to be self-controlled for His purposes. While we benefit from exercising self-control, the ultimate gift is knowing that God is pleased when we choose to live a life empowered by Him so that we grow in our knowledge of Him. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, our faith is strengthened, and we can remain steadfast when tempted to behave selfishly instead of growing in godliness.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful that You never grow weary and are always there when I pray for self-control. Forgive me when I choose to live selfishly, focused on my comfort and for the praise of others. Lord, help me grow in my knowledge of You so I become more steadfast in my faith and godliness. Help me to love others as You love me. Amen
As you read this, I pray that you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, I encourage you to seek God so that all doubt may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of your salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com.