Why is there so much chaos in this world today? We read in every news source about the hate, conflict and violence between people and nations. Is it not because every person is doing exactly as they please? In the time of the Judges, it was said: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6).

 

Since the fall of man in Genesis 3, this was the problem of mankind – everyone, by nature, does exactly as they see fit. When I need to be right or have those things that I desire, at any cost, other people get hurt by my selfishness and greed.

 

When we get to know Jesus as Lord, our lives are set under new management. We no longer belong to ourselves, as we were bought and paid for by Jesus when he died for us on the cross. Paul describes this change of ownership in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.”

 

God works in us to make us new creatures. But in this transformation process, we also have responsibilities. We are new persons in Christ, but now we must become what we are; we must grow into this role. We need to grow in faith. Paul described this transformation process in Ephesians 4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

 

When the Spirit guides us, one of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22). Today’s verse asks us to add self-control to the knowledge we have of God. In his Word, the Lord shows us what is not to his glory in our lives and he shows us the things that are not edifying to our neighbour or ourselves. When we have the knowledge of what is wrong, we need self-control to stop that behaviour. We take control of our desires with the power of the Holy Spirit. We choose not to do evil things. We also learn in the Word the things that God desires in our lives. He commands us to love him with our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37), and to love one another as Jesus loves us (John 13:34). We don’t always feel like loving God or another person. We don’t always agree that it is the right thing to love certain people. However, by self-control, I surrender my feelings and wishes to God’s commands. I obey God, even when my old self is screaming inside me not to do it. The world could become a better place if everyone who knows the right thing to do exercises self-control, submits to God’s loving will and acts righteously for his glory.

 

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I am so comfortable in doing things my way. I am so unwilling to do the right thing. Your Word shows me a better way. Help me to take control of myself and to surrender to your will. Help me to obey your commands, that my life may bear witness to your love and grace. Help me to overcome evil and to pursue holiness. Amen.