SELF RESTRAINT IS VITAL FOR SUCCESS

Let me open with this remark – “You are in the world but not of the world”. This is a direct quote from Jesus discussion with His disciples. We, born again believers and disciples of Jesus, are definitely not of the world though we live in the world; so that we operate by a different set of rules and code of conduct for we are the light of the world.

Proverbs 29: 18 “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint: but happy is he who keeps the law.”

To be effective as light, we are compelled to be restrained /controlled. Unbelievers cannot be compelled to be restrained since it takes knowledge of God revealed to our spirit man by the Holy Spirit, to be restrained. Unfortunately, we are determined to operate like they do and yet claim to be light. There is now no limit to which a believer can go to get what they want. There is no balance to anything we do. We are excessive in everything and have become ostentatious. We are unrestrained and unable to control ourselves yet the bible admonishes us repeatedly to be self-controlled.

1 Peter 1: 5 “Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is sad that despite knowing that we exist in the midst of enemies, we have gone wild thereby suffering self-inflicted defeat in the midst of our enemies who are amused at the mess we are making of ourselves. They look at us, laugh, and then say “and they say they are Christians.” We can pretend like they don’t know what they are saying and deceive ourselves all we like, making all the excuses in the world but we know the truth deep down- we have become totally unrestrained.

Exodus 32: 25 “Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies.

 Just like the Israelites we have built golden calves of ourselves and idols of “things” and “people” to whom we now bow instead of our God. Also, uncovering our shame and nakedness in the process; thereby putting ourselves in captivity, completely bound and controlled by the dictates of the world. If we must walk in victory, we must learn to be restrained by the word of God.

Proverbs 29: 18 “when people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.” 

For how much longer are you going to remain in ignorant bliss? You that deceives yourself and says, “I don’t want to know more about God so I can continue living the way I want to live. If I know more, it will put me under condemnation.” I hate to say this but you are not wise, the price you pay is too high. 

Proverbs 28: 9 “one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”

Ask yourself – are you a wild grape? If your answer is yes, you can do something about it today.