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Biblical Success Strategies and Tactics for Gaining Greater Self-Control
I often try to practice self-discipline and self-control. At times, I succeed, and at times, I fail. As I’ve explored this topic, God has been teaching me the deeper meaning of this well-known prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” - The Serenity Prayer So much of my sanctification journey in Christ has been about surrender. “Letting go and letting God” had been a recurring theme. But now, I see I have a big part to play in this process. Not only do I have to let go of trying to control people, places, and things, but I also need to courageously change the one thing I can change more than any other: Me! We need greater self-control and self-discipline to control the “controller” inside of us. Therefore, let’s turn to the perfect source to gain wisdom on this subject, and see what God’s Holy Word says. To begin my study of this topic, I looked up over thirty New Testament scriptures that addressed the subject and selected the top eight for more in-depth reflection and inspiration. THE SOURCE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE The foundational truth is that God is the source of all self-discipline. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV This verse directly links the gift of the Holy Spirit to the capacity for self-discipline, indicating it as a divine attribute bestowed upon believers. It is a profound testament to the nature of the Holy Spirit's work within us. Self-discipline is not a mere human effort but a divine endowment. Because self-discipline wholly relies on the Holy Spirit's influence, our surrender to Christ is called for in ever-increasing measures. This dismantles my misconception that self-control and self-discipline are about my power and will. Biblical self-control is not reliant on human willpower. We must have the transformative power that comes from God Himself. Thus, self-discipline emerges as a manifestation of the Spirit's presence in our lives. It is a clear indicator of our spiritual condition. Conversely, a lack of self-discipline and self-control indicates spiritual and mental problems that need to be addressed. This may sound harsh, but it is true. Too often, I excuse my lack in these areas as “that is just how I am,” not realizing that they are, in fact, poor excuses I used to let myself off the hook of engaging with Christ in an ever greater level of trust and surrender. When we demonstrate self-control and self-discipline, we are displaying a characteristic imparted to us by God. This realization fosters a deeper understanding. Attaining this is not a result of personal or moral achievement but a sign of living in alignment with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and guidance. The degree to which I see these traits in my life is the degree to which I can see myself as fully surrendered to Christ. If you are anything like me, we have a long road ahead in this sanctification process, which culminates as we enter Heaven. Ah, that glorious day! BE-DO-HAVE vs. HAVE-DO-BE The call to action is for us to “be” self-controlled. Unfortunately, I often operate on the cognitive distortion of “have-do-be” thinking. Once I “have” my life in better order, and I am less busy and stressed, then I will “do” those things that involve self-discipline and self-control, and then I will “be” where God wants me to be. Wrong! What scripture tells us is that it is “Be-Do-Have.” "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." - 1 Peter 1:13 NIV This passage calls for mental readiness and self-control now. I can’t delay this to some point in the future when I am “ready.” We must be willing to be uncomfortable in order to answer this mandate and endure the pain of self-denial. I like being comfortable and tend to avoid things that take me out of my comfort zone. However, “No pain, no gain” is my experience. NO PAIN, NO GAIN! Ask any sports athlete, and they will quote you this slogan when reflecting on what it takes to achieve peak performance. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 NIV This verse acknowledges the challenge of discipline and its fruitful outcome, aligning with the concept that God values and rewards self-discipline. And of course, the classic verse to inspire us to have the discipline of an athlete is the Apostle Paul’s famous race metaphor: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV Paul speaks of disciplining his body to maintain integrity and effectiveness in his ministry, illustrating personal self-control. Every time I read this, I get motivated to push myself harder, deny my earthly desires, and surrender to Christ. Allow this metaphor of an athlete's discipline to encourage your spiritual endeavors in pursuit of eternal rewards. THE GREAT TECHNIQUE: “JUST SAY NO!” Here is the best technique I know to achieve all we have discussed: “Just say no!” “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14 NIV There is a tremendous power in the word “no.” What we did not want to hear as children we must now tell ourselves as adults. This is where we transition from milk to meat, from adolescence into maturity as Christ-followers. We know what to do. We need to do it by saying “no,” denying ourselves, and being self-controlled. "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;" - 2 Peter 1:5-6 NIV Peter outlines a progression of virtues that begins with faith and includes self-control as essential for spiritual growth and godliness. Sanctification is a progressive process that leads us to every more godly behavior. THE FRUIT OF SELF-DISCIPLINE Allowing the Holy Spirit to control us through daily, moment-by-moment surrender bears great fruit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 NIV Self-control is a component of the Spirit's fruit, which places it at the heart of Christian character and moral living. CONCLUSION To achieve self-control and self-discipline, we must:
Above all, let’s take our “self” out of self-discipline and self-control. May we give all credit and glory to the Holy Spirit who empowers us to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus our Lord. May we use these biblical success strategies and tactics in our sanctification journey? Travel well. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. April 08, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ. Comments are closed.
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