AP

Day 46: Discipline and self-control

God’s grace to us in Christ Jesus teaches us to, “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age (Titus 2:12).” May God bless both self-control and discipline in order to grow us in Christ!

A man who cannot control his temper, desires or tongue is a man unworthy of respect. These proverbs teach us that an unrestrained tongue will lead us into sin. The wise person is self-controlled; biting his tongue (Prov. 10:19). A fool will stubbornly get his back up when corrected, but a wise person heeds reproof and learns from it (Prov. 12:1). How we respond to discipline says much about us!

To forsake God’s good ways, which are clearly set out for us in His Word, is wrong. Discipline helps to drive wickedness from us (Prov. 20:30). God disciplines those He loves and it is part of the evidence that we are His children. His discipline results in good: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Heb. 12:11).” May we submit to God’s good discipline and may this result in increasing righteousness in every area of our lives.

It a tragedy when people spend the brief days we have on this earth in undisciplined things of no eternal consequence; filling their minds with unworthy things, always making excuses, always joking and wasting the life that the Lord has given them. As we have concluded our series on the Proverbs, may they be a warning to us to diligently seek self-control in God. 

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

– Prov. 10:19

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

– Prov. 12:1

The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

– Prov. 13:25

There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.

– Prov. 15:10

Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.

– Prov. 20:30

Father God, we damage ourselves and our families when we lack self-control. Instead of biting our tongue, we react. Instead of overcoming desire, we fall. Instead of maintaining the blessed habits of reading Your word, praising You and praying to You, we easily dismiss the very things that we need.

Please forgive us, and give us strength to turn aside from every temptation. We thank You that the Scriptures tell us that all temptation is common to man, but You are faithful and You will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. You will provide a way of escape so that we may endure it.

Thank You for Christ Jesus who sympathises with us in our weakness, yet He is without sin. In our moment of temptation please help us.

In Jesus Name we pray,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes