I've been pondering this idea of my One Word for 2026...self-control. I've collected information on it, I've prayed over it, I've thought about it, and I've tried to decide how to put out this post because, well, self-control is a personal topic.
As I have been reading and studying my Bible each morning, I have asked the Lord to point out Scripture that deals with self-control...both the good and the bad.
I've listened to sermons on the topic that have been helpful. One in particular by Alistair Begg, which you can find HERE, was very insightful.
But I have to ask, what is self-control. Is it a discipline that we develop? A habit? Is it something that we can accomplish by our own self-will?
Let's start with the basic definition that I found in an online dictionary...
"Self-control as in restraint...the power to control one's actions, impulses or emotions."
Also, the world's view when it comes to synonyms...self-discipline, composure, determination, self-restraint, self-mastery. And the list goes on. Notice anything about these synonyms? Many point to "self".
A more Biblical view (in my opinion) : moderation, assurance, self-denial, forbearance.
The basic thing I have taken into my thought so far is that:
* The Bible tells us that self-control is listed as fruit of the Spirit which means that when Christ came to dwell in us when we confessed our need of a Savior, and His Spirit came to indwell us, we were given the fruit of the Spirit. It isn't something that we've had to work on...but all of the things listed as the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) were given to us at our new birth.
*But does that mean that we have no responsibility to be watchful and not work at things like moderation and forbearance? I think not.
*At the same time, we need to realize that even though there is a need (and there definitely is) for us to exercise our actions or perhaps we should say, restrain ourselves, it is something that we cannot have the strength in and of ourselves to execute on our own.
*That strength and power come from the very One who gave us our life in Him...the One who gives us the air to breathe, the One who has filled us with His Spirit when we came to Christ.
It's a bit obvious in our culture today that not everyone is using restraint of their own wills but rather have assumed that whatever "self" wants, it's okay to go after it, whether it hurts anyone else or not.
As Alistair Begg mentioned in the sermon that I linked above, there is a great need for self-control in today's society.
I'm also realizing that "self-control" works itself out in so many different attitudes. I'm finding as I read the Scriptures that it has many different forms.
While "self-control" can be a very personal topic to try and share about...especially as my One Word for 2026...I'm looking forward to getting into some of the things that I've learned and noted as we go through this year together.
