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Time To Exercise Self-Control

       The advancement in technology, wealth, influence, and many more have blinded many within the Church to the fact that we are pilgrims on a pilgrimage on earth. Meaning, a day would come when all we have acquired or desired will be left behind, and we will pass through a door to a specific destination. As sons of God, our hope is a living one as the door of death is not the end because we believe and are confident that we will see Him and be raised to be like Him: "...But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2b, NIV). 
       For as many as have believed and have received Him are born anew into an inheritance that is imperishable, unchangeable, undefiled and reserved in Heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-5). As we await this amazing gift of God, we go through many trials on earth that are actually designed to reveal the genuineness of our faith: "...So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1Peter 1:7b, NLT). 
       Seeing and coming to know this truth, we are told: "So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16, NLT). This is the crux of the matter! 
       Beloved, since you gave your life to the LORD Jesus Christ, or you were apprehended by Him, how is your life? Whom are you living for? Have you lost sight of the inheritance that is awaiting you at the end? Beloved there is an END! This world and its systems are not an end, but a way station! Many in the Bible understood this, and they lived as pilgrims, looking forward to the City prepared and built by God for them. Many were extremely wealthy, and many were extremely poor and disadvantaged, but they never lost sight of the goal, which is to see Him and to reign with Him. 
       As we were told, it is not just by confessing these things, but we must be determined in our pursuit and obedience to Jesus Christ. And the very first thing we were told to do is to exercise "self-control"! What pushes a man from the path of life is Self/Flesh. No wonder Jesus told His disciples: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]" (Matthew 16:24, AMPC). 
       Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Ruth, Paul and many more exercised self-control in order to remain on the path of life. Many who deviated suffered severe consequences, and by the mercy of God came back to the path. Others like Esau, Judas, Demas and many like them that lacked self-control could not return to the path of life. Many, like Saul, Ahab and Cain, while living, were doomed because they lacked self-control. 
       Beloved, everything presently on earth is geared towards enticing man to lose his self-control. As sons of God, this is the time for action, to be self-disciplined, determined, patient (endurance), spiritually and morally alert. Because the enemy is determined to drag as many as he can with him to the Lake of Fire! Don't be one! Be alert, stand firm and don't be tossed about or harassed by the things of this world. 

May the Power of the Almighty protect you and keep you from falling, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 

God bless you! 

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