Self control – inner strength of character which enables a person
to say “yes” to something he should do even if he does not want to, or to say
“no” to something he should not do even though he wants to do it.
We find the word in Galatians 5:22-23. We also find it in Second Peter as part of the Christian
growth process.
The fact that self control follows “knowledge” in Peter's sequence is significant. Self control will use knowledge with healthy restraint. Paul dealt with that matter when he wrote to the Corinthians. They were deeply entrenched in the idea that knowledge gave them superior privileges. For that reason, h reminded them, knowledge swells the ego.
The fact that self control follows “knowledge” in Peter's sequence is significant. Self control will use knowledge with healthy restraint. Paul dealt with that matter when he wrote to the Corinthians. They were deeply entrenched in the idea that knowledge gave them superior privileges. For that reason, h reminded them, knowledge swells the ego.
Just in front of knowledge, in Peter's list, we find moral
excellence (virtue) That is an ethical term. We have a responsibility to control what we do with what we know in line with moral categories.
Self-control,
therefore, is not about self-righteous will-power driven by pride. It is
about what is in the best interest of one’s self or someone else. In some cases
it has to do with right versus wrong. In other cases it has to do inappropriate
context. In still others cases it has to do with turning away from or
incorporating some freedoms because
of the ministry vision God has given.
The second in the Withered Grape series: an examination of self control and its place in twenty-first century Christian circles.
Previous articles in this series.
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