What's So Important About Self-restraint?

From childhood onward human beings have an inclination to focus on the strengths and weaknesses in themselves and others. Choosing someone to emulate is an essential need, but ironically, that person or group may have weaknesses that minimize their strengths.

Most individuals are subject to self-indulgence, if only marginally, yet practicing self-restraint creates a pathway to peace, contentment, and satisfaction with what God provides. Self-restraint is a character strength that helps you “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but to consider others more important than yourself.”

Self-restraint must continually be nurtured by honoring God and acknowledging that without him you’re vulnerable to falling into sin that’s difficult from which to break free.

When you "seek God with all your heart, he will be found," and that gives you reason to praise him and be thankful. Do that now.                              

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But I discipline my body to keep it under control, lest when I preach [teach, talk] to others, I myself should be disqualified.

~1 Corinthians 9:27 English Standard Version

 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

~1 Peter 2:9  English Standard Version 

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Is It Possible to Overcome Immaturity?

Maturity is a continuous developmental process that extends throughout life. Each person may experience an impulse to act immaturely just to get one’s way, regardless of what’s appropriate. Immaturity can  prevent a person from achieving happiness or even the potential for success.

Immaturity is a stumbling block for good judgments. It determines if other-centeredness or self-centeredness will dominate a marriage or friendship. An immature person demands that others cater to their needs, while ignoring the other person’s needs.

To struggle against immaturity, ask God to give you strength to do what is right and appropriate. 

Asking God for insight and wisdom to make necessary changes in oneself is the source of power for getting it done. Listen to Philippians 4:19: “And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” True worship follows making things right with others.  

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Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant then yourselves.

~Philippians 2:3 English Standard Version

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What Are You Doing to Keep Your Unity Strong?

Incompatibility is the root of arguments, disagreements and conflict, whereas compatibility promotes integrity and strong attachments. It’s extremely difficult to be cordial to those with whom disagreements and arguments abound and have been created by conflicts that disrupt peace and unity.

The majority of humans desire peace as opposed to bantering and turmoil, which will sabotage a marriage or friendship. This does not mean that different opinions and ideas shouldn’t exist, for these communications can be healthy, provided strong compatibilities dominate the relationship.

Ephesians 4:3 offers this advice: “Make every effort to keep unity in God’s Spirit through the bond of peace.” This is done by focusing on areas of compatibility, although some areas of incompatibility may exist. Unity of faith centers on the agreement of one Lord, one faith, one baptism. These three define compatibility.

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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.

~Philippians 2:3 New International Version

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Is God Interested in Where You Fit In Socially?

It’s perfectly normal for parents to see their infants as exceptionally gifted. The family can, however, become a prime source of stress for a child when parents are inordinately focused on achievements rather than loving each child for who they are and what they are becoming.

Status-seeking is often loaded with stress, especially when parents depend on their children to fit in socially. The older a child, the more important it is that the child fits in with a particular group. Social status continues to be a source of stress due to our competitive nature. We measure up if we’re accepted into certain groups.

Yet, God’s word warns about thinking of yourself as being above others, which conveys social striving. 

Knowing that Jesus loves you and all others unconditionally should reduce this striving. God’s love compels you to love and accept others regardless of their social position. Because God loves his creation unconditionally, we are all precious in his sight. 

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[Jesus said,] “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

~Luke 13:24  English Standard Version

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What Makes an Apology Sincere?

  An apology is an overt act of expressing regret and sorrow for a behavior that resulted in pain and suffering for another person. An apology must display remorse and repentance. Listen to Philippians 2:3: “Don’t be selfish, but rather be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.”

Selfish ambition blocks an apology from reaching a positive outcome because the best interest of the offended person is missing. For instance if an apology is just to stave off guilt, then restoration will be incomplete. If a victim views an apology as insincere, then hope for a relationship to be restored is lost.

A sincere apology is offered for the good of the offended person. Most people are humble enough to respond graciously when an apology is offered, for it takes humility for an offense to be forgiven. If you are reluctant to be humble, remember Jesus humbled himself and died on the cross just for you.  

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“God opposes everyone who is proud, but he is kind to everyone who is humble.” 

~James 4: 6 Contemporary English Version    

 Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  

~Ephesians 4:2 The Living Bible

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God's Word – a Safeguard Against Temptation

 Ambition plays a crucial role whenever an individual sets out to achieve an important goal in life. Without ambition there would be little motivation to endure the struggle and sacrifices that all important objectives demand. God designed humans with an innate need to be productive and creative.

However, ambition is not always driven by a desire to benefit the world for good. Sometimes it is propelled by a selfish need to promote and advance oneself. Yet Jonas Salk dedicated his life to creating a vaccine that would stamp out the polio virus that had killed and crippled thousands of children and adults. Because of his ambition, millions have been vaccinated since 1955.

Philippians 2:3 issues this warning: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.” This admonition is a safeguard against being pulled into temptation’s cutting edge. If this identifies you, return to Christ Jesus. Seek his forgiveness. He’s waiting for you.           

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I have thought much about your words, and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.

~Psalm 119:11 The Living Bible

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