Day 4
Self-Control
On this fourth day of "30 Days of Gratitude" our verse is Luke 22:40 (NIV) -- On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Temptation is the key word in this verse. The context of this verse is also important to look at. Jesus said this to the disciples as he went to pray on the Mount of Olives after sharing his final meal with them. This is the point in time when he asks God to "take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” And this is when he returns to find the disciples asleep. He asks them why they are asleep and admonishes them to get up and pray so that they will not fall into temptation. The rest of the story we know. Judas betrays him, as does Peter when he denies him three times.
Self-control. Alongside love and godliness, self-control serves as a major component for Christian conduct. It is the last and perhaps the most important item in the list of "fruit of the spirit" and one of the first things that is characterized in church leaders. Self-control is a gift, produced in and through us by God’s Spirit. Yielding to God's spirit, praying constantly, and striving to live a life that is pleasing to God is our path to making self-control easier.
So my question to you today is how do you exhibit self-control in your life? How will you stay awake so that you don't fall into temptation?
Here's my tag for today:
"Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." (Luke 22:45b NIV)
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