SELF-CONTROL

Self-control is a good thing. Paul told Timothy that "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). But can forms of self-control be shameful or even dangerous?

The stoics in the first century days of the Apostle Paul were considered to be wise in the way that they lived. Smith's Bible Dictionary suggests that some "prominent representatives were Seneca and Marcus Aurelius". The stoics were motivated by their principles and prided themselves in living above their emotions. As one observes someone living in such a fashion as a stoic, it is often considered admirable. Controlling you emotions at all costs is the way of the stoic. What is wrong with this particular view?

Notice Psalm 39 and what King David suggests. The King has resolved not to speak, or to control his tongue, especially in the presence of the wicked (v. 1). One could observe David and say that he is controlling his emotions and does not want to join those that are wicked. One could suggest that he is controlling his tongue so that he does not give his enemies a way against Israel's great King. What David is doing is moral resolve, but may be inadequate because Psalm 39:2 tells us while controlling his tongue his "distress grew worse." He was trying to beat the enemies of God by his controlled silence.

David continued in the Psalm and revealed a better way. Observe the emotional plea to God in verse 4, "let me know how fleeting I am." David is keenly aware how short life is and concludes there is no time like the present, "for what do I wait, my hope is in you" (v. 7). God alone saves us from our sin and enables us to speak on His behalf, with His Word. A Christian not speaking up for Jesus in certain sinful situations and saying it is self-control should consider David's parting words in the Psalm, "you consume like a moth what is dear to him."

-Aaron Alsbrook