Self-Control—At Christmas?

“Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”1 Peter 1:13

Christmas is less than a week away, so who do I think I am mentioning self-control now?  Am I nuts?  Probably, but I can’t help it.  It’s on my mind.  Specifically, I have been pondering how short-term decisions have long-term impact.  And, unfortunately, the negative examples are easy to find this time of year as so many of us buy more than we can afford, eat more than we can burn, and schedule more than we can reasonably do.  Then, fat, broke, and exhausted, we face January with little hope even to dream of new resolve.  We sort of spin our wheels a little and then give up.  After all, what’s the use?

Crazy, remember?  But I can’t help what I’m seeing—what God is showing me.  And I know.  It hurts to deny ourselves and others, but it is a practice that will benefit us and those around us in the long run.  And it will glorify God.

In 1 Peter, the apostle writes about the gains of short-term suffering for the long-term salvation of Christ.  He was writing to believers who faced real persecution and physical suffering, but I believe that his testimony holds true even in our varied situations.  “You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).  Get it?  Suffering, self-denial, wise choices that may hurt for a time can result in the praise, glory, and honor of Christ.  Difficult?  Oh, yes.  But worth every tear.

Our actions really do count.  More than the tight waistbands, empty wallets, or broken hearts we suffer, our choices impact others.  “Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show it by his good life.” (James 3:13).  “We encourage you, brothers … to seek to lead a quiet life … so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone” (1 Thess. 4:11-12).  “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).  Yes, they are watching.  And what they see can impact eternity.  “If the righteous is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4:18).  If our good actions can cause others to praise Jesus, think how our negative—dare I say sinful—actions may affect them.  It all counts, and eternity lasts much longer than our momentary suffering. 

Self-control at Christmas?  Yes, and all year long as well.  What better way to honor the One we celebrate and to cause others to do the same? 

[By Lisa Huddleston]

 

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