In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages that inspire him the most. Today's Devotional is based on this passage:
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28 NIV).
Self-control brings with it the good feeling of competency. Like a finely tuned precision automobile, your life stays on course with the slightest touch of steering. The results of self-control are confidence and an inner sense of security.
Self-control and self-discipline are also key factors in your success as you work through your hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Without self-discipline, you’re less likely to consistently make the kind of choices that will help you heal.
The Apostle Paul realized this when he wrote, “Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25 GNB).
Olympic athletes train for years in order to have a chance to win a brief moment of glory. But the race we are running is far more important than any earthly athletic event. So self-control is not optional for Christians.
How do we gain true self-control?
Admit your problem
The starting point for developing self-control is to face this godly truth: I am responsible for my behavior.
The Bible teaches, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed” (James 1:13-14 NIV).
Do you see what that says? It says you do things because you like to do them! When I do something that I know is bad for me, I still might do it because I like to do it. I want to do it; it’s an inner desire.
Do you want more self-control? Admit you have a problem and be specific about it. Begin praying specifically about your problem areas.
Put your past behind you
In Philippians, we’re taught to forget what is behind and to strain toward what is ahead, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (based on Philippians 3:13-14 NIV).
This verse exposes a misconception that will keep you from gaining self-control. Many of us think, “Once a failure, always a failure.” But that’s simply not true. God’s mercies--and our second chances--are fresh each morning.
Failure in the past doesn’t mean we will never be able to change as we move forward; however, focusing on past failures does guarantee their repetition. It’s like driving a car and looking in the rearview mirror the whole time. You’re going to collide with what’s ahead of you.
Ask God to help you put your past behind you.
柳答：
等我再較詳盡的解釋一下吧！
基督徒怎樣會有精神病的呢？
因為沒有完全順服在聖靈的帶領底下。
由於情慾與聖靈是相爭的，
若果我們不認罪，不饒恕及悔改，
苦毒就會在我們的心靈情緒的中心作濃，
這就我們會自種禍根。
我們若果恨了人，對人指控了，也就是罪。
若果我不認罪，又不去處理它，且或選擇逃避的法，
就是無法清心面對神。
就會有惡魔來攪擾情緒。
所以一定要饒恕和處理關係。
也要學習到怎樣對質，目的是設立健全和健康的界線，
要行在天父的心意裏面。
另外，若是飲食或工作或娛樂沒節制，或沒清楚界線，
也會帶來的身心症。
飲食少菜多肉，工作過勞，
憤恨人，時時的埋怨，
就令許多人都患上鬱燥症，
都市人許多不太察覺，其實已有不同情度的病症。
因為連舊約的先知以利亞也是有病發過。
不過，天父好好，把他醫治了！
也把我的都醫好了！
感謝主！
現在，我要去食飯了！
哈哈！
上週團友的真情分享，都叫我好感動。
感覺是：我真係無來錯個呢個團喎！
回應詩：
【醫治的主,你從來無變】（純音樂）調寄：Jesus Never Change
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