Biblical Answer

The Illusion of Control

It's natural to feel like we're losing control, especially when faced with the challenges of life. However, as followers of Jesus, we must understand that we are not in control of our spiritual formation. This is a hard lesson to learn, but it's essential to recognizing that our spiritual growth is not solely dependent on our efforts. Instead, we must intentionally design our lives to give Jesus free rein over our formation. This means surrendering our control and allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.

The Importance of Self-Control

Self-control is a skill that can be learned, but it requires practice and discipline. It's not about punishing ourselves for past mistakes, but about developing the ability to say no to sinful desires, even when it hurts. Scripture teaches us that sin loathes boundaries and prefers to follow its own desires, but as followers of Jesus, we must learn to say no to sin and yes to God. Self-control is not about being perfect, but about being intentional in our pursuit of spiritual growth. By developing self-control, we can break free from the cycle of sin and experience the joy and liberation that comes from living a life surrendered to Christ.

Finding Balance and Surrender

So, how do we get self-control? It starts with recognizing our need for it and being willing to surrender our control to Jesus. We must be intentional in our pursuit of spiritual growth, and this requires discipline and practice. It's not about being one-sided, either in favor of discipline or against it. Instead, we must find a balance that allows us to say no to sin and yes to God. This is a lifelong process, and it requires patience, perseverance, and surrender. By surrendering our control to Jesus and developing self-control, we can experience the joy and liberation that comes from living a life surrendered to Christ. Ultimately, self-control is not about us; it's about giving Jesus free rein over our lives and allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.