Be Self-controlled

Wednesday's full reading: 1 Peter 4:7-5:14

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:7-8)

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

The power of the self-will is quite amazing. People have been known to accomplish great feats simply because they were so focused on the goal they never gave up. However, the battle against the self-will is also very great. If your heat is set on pursuing a certain temporary pleasure you may find yourself in the battle of your life without one of your greatest assets - self-control. Don't get hung up on the use of the word "self" in self-controlled here. You certainly don't want to controlled by the "old self". Sometimes it may be helpful to employ new terminology to illustrate this further such as: Be self-disciplined, but God-controlled.

Today, as an act of worship, surrender your self-will to the Lord. Commit to pursue the things of God.