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[image: Purpose Driven Connection - Daily Devotional] March 26, 2009
Developing Self-Control<http://links.purposedriven.com/u.d?RYGtvKBZ-2Sr6kW-B=23>
by Rick Warren
In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages
that inspire him the most. Today's Devotional is based on this passage: "Like
a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control"
(Proverbs 25:28 NIV).
Self-control brings with it the good feeling of competency. Like a
finely tuned precision automobile, your life stays on course with the
slightest touch of steering. The results of self-control are confidence and
an inner sense of security.
Self-control and self-discipline are also key factors in any success you
hope to have in this life. Without self-discipline, you are unlikely to
achieve anything of lasting value.
The apostle Paul realized this when he wrote, "Every athlete in training
submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will
not last; but we do it for one that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:25
GNT).
Olympic athletes train for years in order to have a chance to win a brief
moment of glory. But the race we are running is far more important than any
earthly athletic event. So self-control is not optional for Christians.
How do we gain true self-control?
Admit your problem. The starting point for developing self-control is to
face what God has already said about me: I am responsible for my behavior.
James 1:14 (PH) says, "A man's temptation is due to the pull of his own
inward desires, which can be enormously attractive."
Do you realize what that says? It says you do things because you like to do
them! When I do something I know is bad for me, I still do it because I like
to do it. I want to do it; it's an inner desire.
Do you want more self-control? Admit you have a problem and be specific
about it. Begin praying specifically about your problem areas.
Put your past behind you. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) says, "Forgetting what
is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal..."
This verse exposes a misconception that will keep you from gaining
self-control: Once a failure, always a failure.
Failure in the past does not mean you'll never be able to change. Focusing
on past failures, however, does guarantee their repetition. It's like
driving a car and looking in the rearview mirror the whole time. You're
going to collide with what's ahead of you.
Ask God to help you put your past behind you.
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest,
Calif., one of America’s largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick
is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life and The
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--
'Unless you change what you do, you will always have what you've got.'
- Jim Rohn
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