BE SELF-CONTROLLED IN THIS WORLD THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL!
BE SELF-CONTROLLED IN THIS WORLD THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL!
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. —I Corinthians 9:24-2
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. —I Corinthians 10:31
We all have a race to run and that race has been marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1-2). We are to run this race with perseverance as we keep out eyes on Jesus. He is the “Author” and “Finisher” of our faith. So let us run in such a way to receive the “prize.” To do so we need to “exercise self-control in all things.” We are not to be out of control even when everything around us or maybe in our lives may seem to be out of control.
Being out of control only brings disaster. For instance, Rome was out of control in many ways. Here are a few that were occurring before the empire fell—
- Open borders
- Corrupt politicians
- Loss of common language
- The welfare state
- Violent entertainment
- Decline of morality
- Decline in fertility rate
- Rise in Pedophilia
- Unchecked debauchery
- Class warfare
- Unbearable taxation
- Outsourcing
- Trade deficits
- Exploding debt
- Money devaluation
- Military cuts
- Terrorist attacks
Sound familiar? And this list comes from PBS that a friend sent me! So we are not to be “out of control” as this list shows in so many areas, and not only Rome had these before its fall, our own nation has this list as well. No, we are to be self-controlled and honoring God. We are to live a disciplined life and whatever we do, we are to be doing for the glory of God. Dear Father, oh that this would be the case in my life now and for the rest of my life by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, so may it be even when the world around me is not honoring You and out of control. May I stand firm in You! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB6IvyegNCs&list=RDTB6IvyegNCs&start_radio=1