Do you struggle with self-control sometimes?

“Older men are to be…self-controlled.  Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior…and so train the young women…to be self-controlled.  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled…For the grace of God has appeared, training us to live self-controlled…lives.” -Titus 2:2-6, 11-12 (selections)

I find it interesting that not only in this chapter but all throughout the book of Titus, Paul urges the people to embrace the discipline of self-control.  It is significant that Titus was a pastor in the city of Crete, a place known for everything but self-control.

Surrounded by constant temptation and encouragement to simply “go with what you feel” and pursue pleasure at all costs, Christians in Crete had a simple choice: to be slaves to their own whims and the spirit of the world around them, or to master their actions through the power of the Holy Spirit and thus live in true freedom as servants of Christ.

The same choice is given to us as well.

We may find it hard to be self-controlled, but to not be controlling ourselves is to be controlled by any and everything else that comes our way.

The good news is that God wants more for His children than that!  He wants freedom for us, and has given us everything we need to walk in it today.

Walk in self-control and let God’s Spirit set you free!