Titus 1:8, “Rather . . . be . . . self-controlled . . . ”
We often think of self-control as merely anger management but it is much further reaching than curbing our tempers. Self-control means preventing the flourishing of our corrupt human nature. We should aim to subdue our personal interests, our ego, desires and pride and to allow them to be dominated by the Holy Spirit of God. We spend countless hours discussing the merit of developing self-esteem in a person.
Self-esteem contradicts self-control because it pursues the honor and glory of human nature. Christians are to “put off our old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22) and to live godly lives that bring glory and honor to God in Christ.
Self-control surrenders our old self to the Holy Spirit to be “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). Once crucified the old self no longer lives, but “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Christians cannot both nurture the divine life of our Savior and appease the corrupt nature of man. “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24).
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit are we able to put our old self in its rightful place on the cross and give Christ our Lord His rightful place in our life.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2