Self-Control (1)

(From devotionals at work)

"...make every effort to supplement ...knowledge with self-control..." -2 Peter 1:8

"...in order to pass to the divine union of love of God (for not all pass habitually thereto, but only the smallest number), it is wont to be accompanied by formidable trials and temptations of sense, which last for a long time, albeit longer in some than in others." -St. John of the Cross

So far we have looked at faith, virtue, and knowledge, and their interdependence and support of one another in sequence. Today we consider "self-control." The English term is unfortunate, though it is hard to find an equivalent to the Greek enkrateia in our language. The fact is, there is nothing of "self" in it. Literally, it means "strength within." In classical Greek it dealt mostly with overcoming the temptation of sexual sin, but in the New Testament it covers a broader range, including sins like rage and pride. Its emphasis is on the moment--the capacity to reject a temptation when it immediately occurs. So we can best translate it as "the Spirit given inner strength to withstand a temptation on the spot."

In The Dark Night of the Soul, St. John of the cross spends some time dealing with the seven sins of the flesh: lust, greed, gluttony, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride; and with an interesting twist, reveals that each of the seven are "spiritual" temptations as well. It is possible to turn valid spiritual experiences into self-centered gluttony, and spiritual gifts into reasons for prideful boasting. It is possible to envy a more "spiritual" Christian, etc. The point is that temptation is remorseless and comes in all forms. Here are some suggestions about how to overcome temptation:

First, the goal of Satan's assaults on us is to get us off our "default" position in Christ, to make us think there are things more fulfilling than He Himself, that we must protect ourselves, or seize what we feel He is withholding from us. That is why knowledge precedes enkrateia in Peter's list. God gives us times of rest in order to settle who we are and what Christ has done for us and in us before the chaos of temptation and testing.

Second, 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God always provides a way out of temptation. The Greek term can be translated "up and out," meaning that looking to Christ and to the power of the Spirit brings a "cure by diversion."

Third, be aware of situations in your life that engender weakness in our default position. That position belongs to the finished work of Christ, and is immovable. But the enemy wants to shake our faith in that finished work. Prosperity can be a trap that creates false security (Hezekiah). Adversity can create discontent, irritation, and the desire to run away (Jonah). A wrong perception of what is doing in the church at large can bring discouragement (Nehemiah). An awareness that God uses suffering to sanctify us can bring bitterness (Jacob). Fourth, remember that the power to overcome temptation is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Next week we will relate self-control and knowledge.