We live in a modern, self-centered society that encourages people to be happy at any cost. We're fed this idea that people are strong and in control because they do what they want, they say what they want, and they live anyway that they want to.
Assuming that someone is strong because they do whatever they want to or whatever they feel like doing in the moment is foolish. It takes strength to bring your flesh under subjection to your spirit.
Whether we're getting up early to dig into the Word, controlling our appetite because it's the right thing to do, or breaking off a relationship that's detrimental to our life, we're going to feel the sting that comes with refinement.
The Bible compares the refinement of our faith to fire. It hurts. It stings. It's difficult to endure… But once you come out on the other side, you see that "joy unspeakable" is yours for the taking.
Temporal happiness could never compare to the inner peace that comes from serving the Lord.
There's an old Cherokee legend about two wolves at war. It's good food for thought on the topic of self-control.
The boy paused to think for a moment before looking up at his grandfather. "Which wolf will win?" He asked.
Those who walk in the Spirit walk according to the wisdom that they've been given. In other words, they make choices day after day to put away sin.
When we fall, we praise God for His unfailing grace, but we stand up again and get back in the race.
Putting away sin starts with a decision, and then it calls for self-control.
Scripture after scripture talks about the virtue of self-control. It talks about controlling our appetites, about greed, and how our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. It talks about crucifying the flesh and anything else that controls you.
Many of our habits are okay in an of themselves, but the overuse of them can be detrimental to our walk of faith.
Remember, a virtuous person isn't ruled by their passions—they passionately pursue an incomparable God.
Click here to print and download today's coloring page.
Trying to remain loyal to our Faith in the world around us can be like sticking to a strict diet while traveling. Daniel had self control when refusing to eat the king's ration. We can all appreciate what that must have been like.
Enjoyed week 1 and ready to dive into week 2 with all of you! Blessings!
Thanks so much I am really enjoying this study.
Are you sure? I just tried the two links and they seem fine. There are two links, one is the image, and the other is in the sentence above the image. Maybe one of them will work for you?
Week 2 – Part 1- The Virtue of Temperance: What a wonderful way to start out the week! The words you wrote simply called to me and filled me with so much hope and warmth. "In other words, we make choices day after day to put away sin." (Schacht,2016) I love this!!
Again, what a wonderful way to start the week! Thank You!!
Today's coloring page verse is just what I needed! A good reminder that we need to keep our eyes on Christ instead of the world around us that is rife with sin and seeks to pull us into sin also. Thank you!
Hi I just found your Bible study this week. Is there anyway to get the study guide and info from last week? Thanks so much!!