When you’re enticed by your peers to do something you know you shouldn’t, don’t yield (Proverbs 1:10). Recognize that you’ve got self-control because it’s a fruit of your recreated human spirit. It’s the virtue of someone who’s got a grip over his body, passions, and desires from within. Self-control is the ability to say “yes” to the right things, and “no” to whatever is inconsistent with the God-life. This virtue is already in you as a Christian, but you have to let it work.
Self-control is more than just choosing the good over the bad; it’s also about making choices for the best. For example, making the choice to study your Bible rather than watch the late-night movie is exercising self-control. Cutting down on your sleep time so you can wake up early to pray or study your books is also exercising self-control.
Perhaps, an urge has arisen within you to give in to the wrong thing or respond negatively to a situation. Jesus is your perfect example of one who exercised self-control: when He was insulted and treated badly by others, He never got even (1 Peter 2:23). Copy Jesus. Say ‘Yes!’ do the right things, and ‘No!’ to everything else that’s inconsistent with the God-nature and life.
Confession
I take charge of my life today. I refuse any attitude, habit or lifestyle that is inconsistent with the gospel. No matter what happens around me, I don’t bow to pressure. I hold myself in from within, in the Name of Jesus. Amen!
