Where's Your Self-Control?

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
~1 Timothy 1:7

When I look around at the world today, I don't see a lot of love or self-control. I do see a lot of fear and hatred, and people out of control who are trying to control what others think, say, or do. This world is in complete contrast to what Jesus teaches. In fact, biblical teachings and the world around us is diametrically opposed. The world says what is right is wrong; what is wrong is right; what is up is down, and what is day is night. Everything we see around us is contrary to the Bible.

We could go back to the Garden of Eden and dissect mankind throughout history, but we would still be able to conclude that humans make really bad choices based on emotion, desire, and selfishness. We haven't really evolved much since Cain killed Able. I think our technology just allows us to see human depravity up close and personal. Before we had computer technology, it was much easier to pretend the degradation of society either didn't exist, or it didn't affect us. Now, it's in our face 24/7.

In spite of all that, Jesus' words are still true today. He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17). He is still the light of the world (John 8:12), and there is still only one right path to follow (John 14:6). 

 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14)."

It is easy to do the wrong thing; to follow the crowd; to think only of right now; to be selfish; to indulge in our cravings; to revel in fleshly desires - it is easy to be a sinner and the devil laughs with delight with every step we take in the wrong direction. What is that saying... The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing man he doesn't exist? Absolutely.

Or, as the song, "When I Die" by Blood, Sweat & Tears says, "I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell... only my dying will tell."

I pray no one finds out about hell the hard way. Once we die, all second chances have ended. There is no way to change our minds once we stand before Truth. Most people think the worst part of hell is the sulphur and brimstone, but I think it's the eternal separation from God, knowing we had the choice but chose selfish desires over the King of Glory. Choose today the path you take and remember, it has eternal consequences.

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)."

Read Numbers 3:1-4:33

A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018