Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:6)
Since the times recorded in the book of Genesis, mankind has been fallible, and the reason for this fallibility has been the fact that we often do not practice self-control. The first man, Adam, and his wife, Eve, succumbed to sin because they could not contain their curiosity—aroused by Satan himself in the form of a serpent—and ate from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (see Gen. 2:17). That tree was the only tree they were commanded by God not to touch. From then on, we can read many accounts of sad consequences that were incurred upon mankind because of sin caused by lack of self-control.
Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned by the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22–23. We are called to conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of being called Christlike. Young men who are encouraged to practice self-control will become good fathers, loving husbands, and strong leaders in their communities, which can also be a good witness to those who are lost and in need of finding Jesus.
We must not forget that some of the world’s strongest leaders will emerge from within our very homes, and potential leaders are watching how we conduct ourselves. May our lives encourage them toward godliness and a life flavored by grace.
Decide today how you want to change tomorrow’s world.
Luska Natali is a native of Brazil who is passionate about God, her family, learning new languages (she fluently speaks three), and meeting people.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
