Self-Control (Do Good)

I think that the most overlooked aspect of self-control is the power that God gives us to do good.  We often think about self-control as stopping bad thoughts before they take root in our heart, come out in our words, or show up in our actions.  God didn’t just design us to fight battles against evil, though.  He designed and equipped us to do good.  James, in fact, made it clear that this is just as important as avoiding the bad stuff in our lives.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17 NIV)

This is tough to swallow, especially when you consider how tough it is to avoid bad habits in our lives.  When you think about it, though, it makes perfect sense.  It is much easier to stop a bad habit if you replace that time and brainpower with something good in its place.  Consider these:

You have a problem stopping at the bar and getting drunk each night?  Maybe you should start stopping by Bible-studies instead.  They’re drinking in living water, and you still get the friendships you would get at the bar.

Do you struggle with watching online porn?  Maybe you can find an accountability partner at your church who understands your struggle.  There’s software than can help hold you accountable, but friends can help the most when the struggle is the strongest.  Spend more time away from the screen and around real people – but make it people at church who will help.

Do you spend too much on yourself?  When you look around your house, do you see a tribute to yourself?  Maybe you could spend more of your time in ministries that feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked, and even visit prisoners.  These ministries just may help you break out of your obsession with you.

Do you struggle with anger? Spend time with people who are calm.

Do you struggle with fear? Spend time with people who are safe.

Do you struggle with insecurity?  Spend time with people who build you up.

You get the idea.  We can overcome evil by doing good.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, 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; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-8 NIV)

So, how about you?  Do you use the control God gives you to overcome evil in your life?  Do you use that same self-control to replace the bad with good?  Is your life different today than it was yesterday, last week, or last year?  What good is God calling you to do?