Self-Control

1 Peter 1:13-16

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action. . ." It sounds almost like the end of a half-time pep talk. The first half went a little rough. They suffered many trials. And so the coach is reminding them what the game is all about. He's reminding them why they started playing in the first place. He's reminding them of the glory of the game. And now it's time to get back at it. It's time to step back onto the field.

I find it quite revealing that the first thing he mentions will be necessary as they start the second half is self-control. Central to the Christian life is self-control. I'm not very good at it. It goes against my nature and against my culture. It is a mindset that is completely antithetical to how our culture tells us we should live. If you like it, do it. If you want it, get it. If it feels good, touch it. If it smells good, eat it.

A hedonistic (that's for you Dave!) lifestyle is an indication of ignorance. Giving into unbridled desire is not only sinful, but it's stupid. We know this. How many times do we give into temptation because it offers immediate satisfaction only to regret it later on? So once again, "be holy, because I am holy" is not the command of a picky and anal God, like that annoying roommate who gets mad if you leave the cupboard open or the lid off your toothpaste, rather it is an invitation to the good life.