Articles
Self-Control
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Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." (Ac. 24:25)
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As a Roman magistrate, Felix was afflicted with all the moral failings that usually came with that position. He viewed "right and wrong" as negotiable commodities, and indulged his passions as a privilege of power. Furthermore, he lived this lifestyle with no regard to any consequences in the hereafter. So when Paul "reasoned" with him (dialogued, discussed, argued) on the topics of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, his heart was exposed to a truth he had never faced before. This frank talk struck fear in his soul.
Paul's focus on self-control highlights a problem that is still wreaking havoc today. Whether we call it self-control, or self-discipline, or self-restraint, it is the absence of this quality that sets up so many people for failure. Our society is destroying itself for lack of self-control, and like Felix, we need to hear some frank talk on the subject.
In our human nature, “self” is a bundle of wild passions and appetites screaming to be unleashed. Those passions are not inherently evil, but they must be brought under control and channeled to constructive ends. If allowed to run wild, our passions will inflict great harm on others, and will eventually destroy us. That's why a major task of parents is teaching our children self-control. We don't want them to end up on that self-destructive path.
Whatever training we may have received in childhood, as adults we are on our own in controlling ourselves. Many people today lack self-control for the same reason it was missing in Felix's character: they have embraced a mushy, poorly defined concept of right and wrong, and they give no thought to any existence beyond the grave, at least not enough to influence their decision-making in this life. They live for the moment, indulging the desires of their heart, heedless of the long-term consequences of their choices. "If it feels good, do it" defines the extent of their purpose in life, and it shows in their lifestyle: drinking, drugs, casual sex, gambling, idleness, binging on video games or TV. What a waste of the life God has given us.
Self-control is hard, but the rewards are empowering. Self-indulgence is easy, but the final destination is bitter. Choose wisely.
--David
