Lured by Passion and Self-Control, by Tui Tikoduadua
Passion is parallel with this week’s discussion of the fruit of the spirit- self-control. A subject not easily discussed, in fact, most of us turn and hide from our weaknesses. I will begin with a simple question: How many of us have fallen into the deep abyss of passion, at one time or another? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary the definition of passion is: an intense compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate. It is a desire for or devotion to some type of activity, object, or concept of deep interest.
When it comes to self-control, there are five key areas that are absolutely crucial to living a life of displaying the characteristics of God.
First, a believer must control his or her tongue.
Second, controlling our body. As Christians we should be asking ourselves why our spiritual union with Christ makes sexual immortality unthinkable. (1 Cor. 15-17)
Third, is about controlling our desires. The Bible tells us that the battle lies within each of us. (James 4:1-2)
Fourth, controlling our appetite. Proverbs warns us about addictive behavior and keeping the law. (Proverbs 28-7)
Fifth, controlling our finances, The Apostle Paul reminds us to be content with food and clothing. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Last, we must clothe ourselves with Christ by putting on the “armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-14) These are powerful illustrations of how we are to integrate self-control and passion together. Our lives only arrive at our desired goals if our passion and self-control are perfectly aligned with the ultimate intentions of our thoughts.
The clear and present danger of passion has infiltrated our churches, communities and cultural societies. Everywhere you turn, there is temptation staring at us, right in our face! From billboards, television, Internet, magazines and men and women who dress scantly without even blinking an eye. Enticing us to yield to whatever the heart desires. Our lack of discipline and self-control is exhausting us of perseverance of what is good and enviably we conceive a thought and then a thought plants a deceptive seed thus we give birth to wicked things. The ironic things about all of this is: that instead of us being in self-control, we are be controlled by deceptive intrinsic and extrinsic weapons whether it be emotionally, psychological, financially, philosophically, and interpersonally. These deceptive measures form against us knowingly and unknowingly. Who wants to admit that they are being enticed? Doesn't the Bible warn us that satan will always be there to tempt us? Many of us fail to recognize and take for granted what God has provide already in the Scriptures. As Christians, we need to be aware of satan's schemes, or devices. We need to be on guard at all times and ask God to help us speak the truth and live in truth! If we as God's children stay close to Him we can avoid the pitfalls of lack of self-control and satanic deception. I encourage you today to not let yourself be deceived!
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