A 2016 article in the magazine Vox by Brian Resnick titled “The Myth of Self-control” caught my attention yesterday. I had been reading various commentsries on this passage when I took a minute to google the subject. I was initially looking for the falicy of this articles premise, yep I went in with a bias. After reading the article I still believe that it’s lack of biblical perspective left it far short of the full answer. That being said I did find a few very salient points to our biblical look at the issue. Clearly, we understand that self-control is a critical element in a believers life. We know that it is listed as a foundational fruit of the Spirit in Paul’s letter to the Galations and therefore vital for all of God’s followers. We know that it is vitally important that we exhibit self control over our spirit, thoughts and actions. As Solomon tells us in this verse that without it we are set up for destruction. One of the points Mr. Resnick makes in the article is that those who appear to exhibit the most self control with certain challenges, i.e. dieting, tend to avoid situations that require self-control. Now that certainly makes sense doesn’t it? I believe God strongly encourages us to avoid situations, places, web searches, people, etc., who call for us to dig deep for self control as well. Today avoid temptation wherever possible and when you can’t, call on God’s Spirit to help provide the self-control you need. #BeTheEdge
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
