Devotional - Jan. 29, 2025
Scripture: Titus 1:8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Self-control ...? Why would there be a mandate for self-control? I'm in control of myself. At least, I think I am. And maybe you are too. The question is, what kind of controls are we putting on ourselves for the sake of Christ? Ahh..., there is the catch, for the sake of Christ. As Christians, we hold ourselves to a higher standard (1 Peter 1: 15-16). But why? Why does God care about our behavior? If we are not doing anything illegal, why does it matter? Not to mention, when I do act out, I'm just having fun or maybe they deserve it. Unfortunately, what we really are doing is starting trouble and/or escalating it. Our feelings get the best of us and we lose control. The very reason why God calls us away from such behavior. God calls us to be the example God wants for humanity (Col 3:8). But more than that, one never really knows what those around us are going through. Or, others do not know what is going on in us. We are good at keeping up appearances, but what goes on below can be a different matter altogether. When a person maintains a positive attitude and keeps their behavior in check, it helps those around them do the same. It may even inspire them. Unfortunately, there are those who will tempt you to lose control, but resist it. I truly believe, if you have kept this as a Christian goal, you have helped people without even knowing it (Matthew 5: 14-16). It takes grit, but it is worth it to God. There are times when you are the only one in a given situation God can use. Believe it or not, one motivation for self control is gratitude. We realize God has been so good to us through His grace, love, and provision, that we refrain from anything that would jeopardize what we have received. We owe it to God to live in accordance with God's values and ways. We do not need the approval of this world which gladly takes away from us whenever possible. No, we would rather uphold the image of God we received through Christ (Ephes 5: 1-2). Do we get pushed too far sometimes ...yes? And yes, I have to say we, since it happens to me as well. I dont like it, and I try to use the incident to improve my character. But, we need to refrain from allowing ourselves to rationalize or excuse our inappropriate behaviour. Whether we were right or wrong does not excuse how we reacted, if it was not congruent with Christ. But, let's not end on a negative note. Think about a time you have exercised self control and were quite thankful you did. There was a piece of the puzzle you didn't know that got revealed later... Or, you went through a stormy period and God gave you the power to navigate through it (2 Tim 1:7). But, you had to exercise self control, and you never regretted it. Remember, we are walking in the Spirit, so do not hesitate to ask for God's help. God is there for you. So, let us be self controlled as the writer in the text above encourages. Self controlled, loving what is good, upright, and holy.
Pray with me..., Holy God we ask for Your strength and Your direction as we continue to walk in self control for Your glory. We ask for Your blessing upon our loved ones and Your blessing upon our church as we seek to be Your people in times like these, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
