Got Self-Control?

Dictionary.com defines self-control this way:

control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.

 

The Online Bible defines it this way,

 the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions

I agree with both those definitions,

but I have a lay person's definition.

The definition of self-control is ~

 walking by this Big Bad Boy every day for over a month

and

not

eating

it.

(click on picture to enlarge to see all 17.6 ounces of pure deliciousness)

I knew you would agree with my definition of

self-control.

 

I bought these presents for somone,

 then decided since I was sending this certain person something,

I had to send her kids something.

When I figured out it was going to be awhile before

this Big Bad Boy was sent down the river,

each item was wrapped and placed in a flat rate postage box

in an attempt to keep myself from giving in to the temptation.

It didn't help much.

I know the chocolate is behind the gold wrapping paper,

tucked inside a box,

and hidden behind my couch.

Just because I can't see it,

doesn't mean I don't want it.

Thus, the need for the Lord's definition of self-control.

I have to master my desire and passion.

We all have things we must master,

so they don't become our master.

We need to have one Master,

the Master who will help us master our passions.

(try saying that 5 times, really, really fast)

2 Peter 1:8 gives us a progression for maturity,

which begins by receiving His divine nature through faith in Christ.

We are to add onto that foundation of faith ~

⁵ add to your faith virtue, (moral excellence)

to virtue knowledge, (know what's lawful for Christians)

⁶ to knowledge self-control,

to self-control perseverance, (steadfast, enduring)

to perseverance godliness, (reverence towards God)

⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, (phileo love for Christians)

and to brotherly kindness love. (agape love towards Christians and God)

Because I have faith in Christ, I have His divine nature.

He added moral excellence, so I have the morality not to eat the chocolate.

Self-control was given, so I can master that desire over the chocolate.

He will help me be steadfast and enduring, while not nibbling the chocolate.

As I continue the battle, to not eat the chocolate,

I gain more reverence towards the Lord,

more brotherly love for the Christians,

and the whole trial culminates in sacrificial love.

Yea,

it's gunna' take

a lotta' sacrificial love

to not eat this Big Bad Boy.