1 Timothy 3:2-3 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Self-control, the ability to control oneself. Sounds easy, but it isn't. If it were so simple,we would not have all the "sicknesses" we have today. Almost all addictions are now a medical issues. But really, they started as self-control issues. Certainly, you can get hooked and are physically bound, but even most addictions can be solved by just stopping the habit. Take smoking... most people want to quit, but the drug makes you crave for it... but many have just quit cold turkey and never smoked again. Some are addicted to coffee, others to TV, and many to pornography. Each of these can be overcome through self-control. So, why don't or why can't people just stop?
K and A, I offer this... one of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. It is a gift given to those that are full of the Spirit. If you have a problem with habits, especially sinful ones, then get your heart right with God, get close to him! He will provide the needed self-control to overcome the problem. We all know that much can be avoided through proper upbringing, public shaming (not an acceptable norm), special meetings, and even medical solutions. Yet, the real problem and the real solution is a spiritual one. That is why a leader must exercise self-control. It shows his relationship to God.
~Dad
Note: It is best to have an accountability partner when overcoming a bad or sinful habit. This spiritual friend will hep keep you focused on seeking God and doing what is acceptable in His sight.
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