The secret of self-control

To have a disciplined life, you must have a disciplined mind. Jesus said Satan’s threefold purpose is to ‘steal, and to kill, and to destroy’ (John 10:10 KJV). And you forget it at your own peril! In your own strength, you’re no match for Satan, but God will give you the strength to overcome his strategies and exercise self-control.

And the Bible tells us how: ‘Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.’ (Colossians 3:2 NASB20) Note the words ‘set your minds’. Many cars come with cruise control. Once you've reached the speed limit, you can easily activate the car's computer by pushing a lever or pressing a button, and the car will then maintain that speed without any further input from you. It won’t go above it or drop beneath it. Similarly, when your mind is programmed with God’s Word, you ‘set’ your thoughts and desires on that which pleases God rather than that which satisfies the cravings of your lower nature.

Self-discipline is the price of freedom. When you’re controlled by your impulses, you’re not free, you’re a slave. Even legitimate things can enslave you.

The saying goes, ‘Too much of a good thing quickly becomes a bad thing!’ Paul writes: ‘All things are permitted for me, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.’ (1 Corinthians 6:12 NASB20).

So, the secret of self-control is to program your mind with God’s Word.