Self-Control
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 4:1-11
They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
Every person’s story is different and unique. Some people were born into religious homes where strict morals and ethics were taught, and they followed these closely from their earliest days. Some people raised in such homes have a “prodigal child” story (see Luke 15:11-24). Still others were brought up apart from religion and yet followed cultural morals, while others grew up more or less wild through and through.
Regardless of our backgrounds, we are called now as believers to live according to the pattern that God sets out for us in his Word. We find this pattern in many places in the Bible such as Ephesians 4-5, Colossians 3, and 1 Peter 4:1-11. A close reading of these passages shows great similarity to the Ten Commandments of Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.
The great news for us is that as we keep in step with the Holy Spirit, we will find that our old sinful nature slowly loses its grip on us. Our “taste” for sinful desires and behaviors gradually fades. Living God’s way takes on a sweeter and sweeter flavor as we live our lives in step with the Spirit.
While most fruit is sweet, none is as sweet as the fruit of the Spirit.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for weaning us from our sinful desires and old ways, showing us that living in step with the Spirit is the best way to live. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — George Koopmans
George Koopmans has served as an ecumenical chaplain at Medicine Hat College in Medicine Hat, Alberta, since November 2021. Prior to entering into chaplaincy, George served as a pastor to two congregations—one in Minnesota (Luverne), and the other in Medicine Hat. George and his wife, Emily, have four adult daughters and three grandchildren. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are his favorite hobbies.
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