Self-control is one of
the marks of a mature person; it applies to control of language, physical
treatment of others, and the cravings of the body.Human nature is complex. We
have the inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control, even if we do
also have inclinations toward forcefulness. By constant self-discipline and
self-control we can develop greatness of character.
Self-control is
the chief element of self-respect; self-respect is the chief element
in courage. |
God has equipped us to
handle difficult things. He has
planted the seeds of discipline and self-control inside us. We just have to
water those seeds to make them grow! It is opt to us to choose to develop those
seeds and become a better person. He is waiting eagerly to respond with new
strength to each little act of self-control, small disciplines of prayer, feeble
searching; we will be filled if we will only hunger and thirst after what He
offers.
I have learned that we
are never going to enjoy stability; we are never going to enjoy spiritual
maturity until we learn how to do what is right when it feels wrong; that every
time we do what is right by using discipline and self-control to go beyond how
we feel, the more painful it is in our flesh, but the more we are growing
spiritually.
I have also learned that
very often in everyday life, we see that by losing our temper with someone who
has already lost his/her, we do not gain anything but only set out upon the path
of stupidity. When we have enough self-control to stand firm at the moment when
the other person is in a temper, we win in the end. It is not he/she who speaks
a hundred words aloud who wins; it is he/she who perhaps speaks only one word.
Self-discipline is often
disguised as short-term pain, which often leads to long-term gains. The mistake
many of us make is the need and want for short-term gains or immediate
gratification which often leads to long-term pain.
It makes us easy to offer
compassion and forgiveness whenever we are patient enough to understand others.
People who are negative, spend so much time trying to control the situations and
blame others for their problems. We have control over how we plan to react,
feel, think or believe in the present, no one guides the tone of ourselves,
except us.
By Tim Pedrosa
|
Why
is discipline important? Discipline teaches us to operate by principle
rather than desire. Saying no to our impulses (even the ones that are
not inherently sinful) puts us in control of our appetites rather than
vice versa. It deposes our lust and permits truth, virtue, and integrity
to rule our minds instead.-―
John F. MacArthur |
Tim
|
