Articles
Having Self-Control Like Jesus
It is to no surprise that coveted roles in society tend to be charismatic or leadership type positions like the president, a CEO, or a movie star. These roles come with the temptation of being able to bend people and situations to our desires. The Bible tells us not to use our freedom and authority for control but to live at peace with all mankind (Rom. 12:18). Having self-control is not dependent on how other people or situations treat us, but on our relationship with God. Proverbs 25:28 says, “a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (ESV)”
Temptations squeeze through the defenses of our hearts and leave them vulnerable to the sins that will damage our relationship with God. In Matthew 4:8-11 Jesus was able to say no to the temptation of power by turning His heart to the principles God teaches. While on Earth, Jesus could have easily forced the world to obey God using His divine power. Due to Jesus’ love for His Father, however, He chose to lead using Godly love instead of force. Jesus’ God-fearing heart gave Him the strength to know that exemplifying Godly love is more influential than power. As any parent knows, the more you force a child to do something the less their heart will be eager to do it. It can be tempting to use a position of authority to bend others to your will, but Jesus’ example shows that God’s loving way is the greater way.
Love and self-control are not only to be practiced by people in authority, but by all of God’s children. Colossians 3:18-25 explains that when you have a heart that sincerely works for others you will be acting on your love for God as well. When Joseph was a servant in Potiphar’s house, he exemplified Godly attributes in his service instead of sinning against his master (Gen. 39:1-18). Even after he was thrown in jail on false pretense, he used the situation to serve God instead of taking his frustrations out on his jailers (Gen. 39:19-23). Other people and certain situations are going to be out of our control, but how Godly we respond to them is in our control. Where in your life can you practice Godly love and self-control like Jesus?
