IN CONTROL

1 Corinthians 9:25 “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Any of you remember what it was like to get your driver’s license? The lessons, the practice, the look of terror on the face of the driving instructor, the look of regret on the face of your parents when you proudly waved that newly-obtained license under their noses? But, finally you had gained control over this 2000-pound monster called an automobile. It took a while, but you got it all figured out -- which pedal to push, and when, which direction to turn the wheel, and how far; how to get that beast to back up in a straight line, maybe even to parallel park.

You are in control. That automobile does what you want and when you want it to do it.... well, at least most of the time. Isn’t it great? You’re in control. It feels great to be in control of something that powerful. Solomon said in the book of Proverbs, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32).

Solomon says, “It’s great to have power. It’s great to have control. But if you can’t control yourself, it’s not worth much.” That’s so true. Conquering a city is nothing compared to conquering the habits that enslave you. Controlling an automobile is nothing compared to controlling your temper or your tongue.

The Bible uses the words "self-control" and "temperance" to describe self-discipline. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Self-control is extremely important. And the reason self-discipline is so important for us to develop is that we don’t have anybody telling us what we have to do to live the Christian life. By that I mean I don’t have anybody telling me how many hours a week I have to read my Bible.... or anybody making me attend all the worship services.... or anybody telling me how many hours a week I ought to pray.... or anybody making me invite so many neighbors to worship.... or anybody telling me how much I have to give to the Lord.... or anybody telling me I can’t watch a certain TV show or movie.... or anybody making me show compassion on others. . There’s only one thing that will keep me doing all these things, and that one thing is my own self-discipline. It takes a lot more character to have the self-discipline to do something on your own than it does to be told what to do, when to do it and how to do it. We need self-discipline in every aspect of our Christian lives.

If we’re ever going to mature as Christians, we’ve got to learn the power of self-discipline. We could talk all day long about attending worship services, studying our Bible, prayer, teaching the lost, seeing to the needs of one another, getting involved in the work of the church, and countless other things that we need to be doing as Christians. But it wouldn’t do a bit of good until we develop the self-discipline needed to do those things.

To develop the self-discipline we need is going to take a great desire on our part to want to change what needs to be changed, a will-power to see it through, and the power that God offers us through Jesus Christ. Recently I watched on as my wife and some dear friends ran in their first 5K race. It took weeks of training and self discipline in order for them to be physically prepared. They spent many cool mornings training for the big day. You would have to ask them to be sure, but I am quite certain that they would tell you it was worth it. My wife was so proud and so excited to have achieved her goal. It was a great moment.

Today is a great day to recommit to self-discipline. It is a great day to determine to live that life that we all know we can live. If we are true to our commitment, great joy and blessings lay ahead.