The Value and Need of Self-Control

“The fruitage of the spirit is . . . self-control.”—Gal. 5:22, 23.

1, 2. (a) How might the importance of self-control be expressed? (b) How is this borne out by what the apostle Paul says about it?

THE need for Christians to exercise self-control is how important? So important that the need could hardly be overemphasized. In fact, we might fittingly paraphrase the words of the apostle Paul about love and say: ‘If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, if I have the gift of prophesying and have all the faith, and if I give all my belongings to feed others, but I do not have self-control, I am not profited at all.’—1 Cor. 13:1-3.

² Does this seem to be an exaggeration? Then note the testimony of the apostle Paul. Surely no follower of Jesus Christ manifested more zeal and endured more for the sake of the good news than did Paul, even as he himself testifies at 2 Corinthians 11:22-33. And yet, in spite of such an outstanding record of zeal and endurance, yes, and fruitful ministry, what does Paul say about his need for self-control? “I browbeat my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.” Could there have been any greater tragedy than to have labored so mightily and endured so much and yet have it all be in vain? Yet “somehow” it would have been in vain had Paul failed to exercise self-control!—1 Cor. 9:27.

3, 4. (a) How is self-control defined? (b) How might it be illustrated?

³ Truly, self-control is very important. And what is self-control? It is defined as “restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires”; “the act, power or habit of having one’s faculties or energies, especially the inclinations and emotions under control.” Of course, the very term implies exercising it in times of temptation or pressure when there is the greatest danger of acting in an unwise or selfish manner.

⁴ The value and need of self-control might be illustrated by a motorcar. Its engine may have as little as 35 or as much as 400 horsepower. But important as is the production of power by this engine, equally important is its being controlled, for of what value would a motorcar be if you could not control the speed or the direction in which it traveled? It would be an instrument of death!

5. What accounts for the need of self-control?

⁵ The problem of self-control arises because we are capable of using wrongly as well as rightly, wisely and lovingly, the various gifts and faculties with which Jehovah God has endowed us, since we are not bound by instincts as is the brute creation but are free moral agents created in the image and likeness of God. Even as the forces of inanimate creation, if not restrained, can cause much harm—witness thereto tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves and lightning—so also with the mental, emotional and physical powers with which our Creator has endowed us; if not controlled, they can cause much harm.—Prov. 25:28.

HARM DONE BY LACK OF SELF-CONTROL

6. What are some of the harmful results from a lack of self-control?

⁶ Look where we will, about us or in the pages of history, and we see the harmful results from a failure to exercise self-control on the part of men, women, and youths in particular. The shocking multiple murders reported in the newspapers and on the radio and TV are instances of persons failing to control a strong impulse to express hatred or frustration by murder. Failure to exercise self-control accounts for the spread of venereal disease, for the many illegitimate births, not to say anything about the widespread marital unhappiness, which results in separations, desertions and divorce. It is said that during World War I more soldiers were incapacitated because of venereal disease than by enemy bullets, and one recent report regarding the present Vietnam war stated that more than 25 percent of the troops had become infected in the same way. And what is drunkenness but the result of a failure to exercise control of one’s craving for alcoholic beverages? How often does a lack of self-control account for an auto accident as when a driver becomes irritated or lets his attention be diverted? Time and again, medical research has established, accidents are caused by imprudent behavior on the part of “impulse-dominated personalities”—those lacking self-control.

7, 8. (a) What examples did Eve and Cain give of a lack of self-control? (b) What other examples of a lack of self-control are recorded in the Scriptures?

⁷ Many are the warning examples that the Bible gives of the harm that results from a failure to exercise self-control. Eve might be said to be among the first. She “saw that the tree’s fruit was good for food and that it was something to be longed for to the eyes, yes, the tree was desirable to look upon”; and so, instead of exercising self-control, she yielded to the temptation and partook of the fruit. (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:2-6) Cain was warned not to let his anger dominate him but to get the mastery of it; but he failed to exercise self-control and so slaughtered his brother, lost out on the hope of everlasting life and became the first of a long line of human murderers, all due to a lack of self-control.—Gen. 4:5-7; 1 John 3:12.

⁸ Then again, obedience to the command upon Lot and his family not to look back as they fled the doomed city of Sodom required self-control. Lot’s wife failed to exercise it, to her destruction. Jesus gave her as a warning example to his followers. (Gen. 19:17, 26; Luke 17:32) Jacob on his deathbed gave a sharp rebuke to Reuben his firstborn son, because of his failure to exercise self-control, Reuben apparently allowing himself to be tempted by one of his father’s concubines. “With reckless license like [flood]waters,” he defiled his father’s couch. (Gen. 49:3, 4) King Saul forfeited the kingdom of Israel because of his impatient lack of self-control, not being able to wait until the prophet Samuel came to offer up a sacrifice at a time of national emergency. (1 Sam. 13:8-14) And there have been incidents in the lives of some of Jehovah’s most faithful servants in which they failed to exercise self-control, to their great and lasting regret! How all such warning examples underscore for us the need of our exercising self-control!—Gen. 9:20, 21; Num. 20:7-13; 2 Sam. 11:1–12:15.

EXAMPLES OF SELF-CONTROL

9, 10. Who has given us the greatest example of self-control, and in what ways has he shown it?

⁹ On the other hand, to strengthen our resolve to exercise self-control God’s Word gives us many fine examples, chief of which is none other than Jehovah God himself. Jehovah God exercises self-control? Yes, he himself tells us this very thing: “I have kept quiet for a long time. I continued silent. I kept exercising self-control.” (Isa. 42:14) Unfaithful Israel deserved to be punished at once, but Jehovah restrained himself. Many people, ignorant of Jehovah’s attributes and purposes, complain because he permits wickedness and suffering; failing to appreciate that his permitting these—for wise and loving reasons—represents great self-control on his part. How so?

¹⁰ Jehovah God has unlimited powers at his command. He can use them in any way and at any time he sees fit. But he exercises his powers only in just, wise and loving ways. He is long-suffering, slow to anger, even as his Word tells us, and what is slowness to anger but the exercising of self-control over his righteous indignation? (Ps. 103:8; 145:8; Jer. 15:15; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nah. 1:3) He waited 120 years before destroying the wicked generation of Noah’s day, and waited for centuries before finally executing judgments upon unfaithful Israel in 607 B.C.E. (Gen. 6:3; 2 Chron. 36:15, 16) Satan and his demons, as well as their human tools and dupes, continually outrage Jehovah’s justice, they flout his authority, they affront him by blasphemy, slander and rebellion. He has feelings, even as the Bible shows. Does he not feel strongly about these things? He most certainly does! Yet he has endured it for millenniums; he has exercised self-control because of his wisdom and love.

11. In what ways did Jesus give us a fine example of self-control?

¹¹ And without a doubt Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave the greatest example of a human exercising self-control. At no time throughout his earthly ministry did he ever lose control of his faculties, powers or emotions, never did he speak or act rashly or ill-advisedly. “When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening.” (1 Pet. 2:23) That took self-control! Thus we read at Matthew 27:13, 14: “Then Pilate said to him: ‘Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?’ Yet he did not answer him, no, not a word, so that the governor wondered very much.” This was most unusual. But Jehovah’s prophet had foretold that, when brought to trial, “he would not open his mouth,” and so Jesus restrained himself, not saying a word in spite of all the false accusations hurled against him. Truly, Jesus gave us a marvelous, yes, a perfect example of self-control to try to copy, and especially when under stress, as when before rulers!—Isa. 53:7.

12-14. What example of self-control did Joseph give? Gideon? King Saul? Daniel and his three companions?

¹² Encouraging us to try to imitate Jesus Christ are also the fine examples of self-control that imperfect, frail servants of Jehovah like ourselves have given, even as God’s Word repeatedly shows. What a fine example of self-control Joseph gave when importuned by Potiphar’s wife! (Gen. 39:7-20) Another fine example in olden times of exercising self-control was given by Judge Gideon. After gaining the victory over the Midianites, he was faced with the envious men of Ephraim who tried to pick a quarrel with him by bringing false charges against him. Gideon, in the flush of victory, could easily have lost his temper and given them ‘a piece of his mind,’ which might well have resulted in bloody fighting among the Israelites. But no, he exercised self-control and tactfully paid them a compliment, causing them to depart in peace. He let reason, not emotion, dictate his words.—Judg. 8:1-3.

¹³ King Saul, although later losing his kingship because of his lack of self-control, as already noted, at first did show this fine quality. When he had just been made king some “good-for-nothing men” despised him, sneering: “How will this one save us?” and failed to bring him a gift in acknowledgment of his having been made king over them by Jehovah God himself. Saul could have taken umbrage, scolded, stormed or even taken action against them, but no, he refused to make an issue of it but exercised self-control: “He continued like one grown speechless.” How wise to remain silent under provocation!—1 Sam. 10:27.

¹⁴ Among others that might be mentioned were Daniel and his three young friends. When taken captive to Babylon they were offered the finest food and drink at the emperor’s directions. But though all the rest of the captives as well as all the Babylonians were feasting on such fare, Daniel and his three friends exercised self-control, refusing to eat these viands because they were unclean according to the law of Moses. For thus exercising self-control Jehovah greatly blessed them, they proving themselves wiser than all the rest of the king’s wise men. And without a doubt, this exercise of self-control helped to strengthen them so that when severer tests came, all four were able to stand, able to keep integrity.—Dan. 1:8-20; 3:16-30; 6:4-28.

NEED FOR SELF-CONTROL IN FOOD AND DRINK

15-17. (a) What fact regarding Christians obligates them to exercise self-control? (b) Self-control in food and drink is indicated by what facts, reasons and scriptures?

¹⁵ Self-control for Christians is indicated for ever so many compelling and forceful reasons, one of which is their stewardship. By reason of their dedication to Jehovah God they are stewards not only of privileges and skills but also of their time, their means and their strength. To discharge their stewardship properly requires self-control, as in food and drink. Obviously the drunkard and the glutton, who are lacking in self-control, are wasting not only their money but also their time and their strength. (Prov. 23:20, 21) But it would be a mistake to conclude that so long as we are avoiding those extremes we are exercising adequate self-control in eating and drinking. We might not be. A person may not be drunk, but still he may have imbibed too much if he becomes talkative or sleepy. Likewise one may not have eaten to the point of gluttony and yet have eaten too much if it makes him sluggish or drowsy. It may depend upon the occasion.

¹⁶ Self-control in food and drink is implied in the counsel: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.” (1 Cor. 10:31) The Christian does not live to eat, as though the pleasures of the table were the best things in life! They are not! Christians should be willing to slight the table for the sake of the good news. Simple, plain food, taken in moderation is the best for the body. And it is also economical. For Christians this is not to be minimized, for modest eating habits can spell the difference between remaining in the full-time service and not being able to do so. Wisely the counsel is given: “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you; and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.”—Prov. 23:1, 2, RS.

¹⁷ Christians should be willing to exercise self-control at the table for the sake of the Kingdom interests and blessings. How much benefit can we derive from a Bible lecture if we are drowsy because of having first eaten a big meal? We do not want to be among those whose “god is their belly,” or who are slaves “of their own bellies,” do we? How appropriate are Jesus’ words: “Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare.” Exercising self-control in eating and drinking is part of godly devotion, which is beneficial for all things, both for the present life—some medical authorities blame over-nutrition for practically all the modern degenerative diseases—and for the life that is to come.—Phil. 3:19; Rom. 16:18; Luke 21:34, 35; 1 Tim. 4:8.

18. In what two ways does self-control in food and drink aid us in exercising self-control of our emotions?

¹⁸ Besides, self-control at the table helps us to exercise self-control as regards our emotions, and that in two ways. First, in that the exercise of self-control in one respect helps us to exercise self-control in other matters. Thus a leading Christian minister who was very fond of peanuts said that he carried them in his pocket but did not eat them, for the purpose of developing self-control. By controlling his fondness for peanuts he was being helped to exercise self-control in other matters. And secondly, the more abstemious a man’s eating habits are the less frequently he is likely to be plagued with strong sexual passion, another area for exercising self-control. As has well been observed, ‘the more robust the lusty man is, the more prone he is to evil.’

NEED FOR SELF-CONTROL IN RELATIONS BETWEEN THE SEXES

19. (a) What might be said to represent the greatest challenge to self-control, as seen by what facts? (b) Why is this so, and yet how is this seen to be an expression of Jehovah’s love?

¹⁹ The need of exercising self-control in one’s relations with those of the opposite sex is, if anything, even greater and at the same time more difficult than exercising control in food and drink, with far more serious consequences involved. It might be said to represent the biggest challenge of all. Each year literally thousands of dedicated Christians are disfellowshiped throughout the world because their conduct toward those of the opposite sex had been unbecoming to Christians. And the reason why is easily understood when we give thought to what is involved. Jehovah God not only commanded the first human pair to be fruitful and become many, but at the same time put in each of the sexes such a strong attraction for the other that there would never be any danger of the human race committing suicide by failing to exercise its procreative powers because of the burdens that went with family life. This at the same time was another evidence of the love of Jehovah God, for he made the attraction of the sexes for each other extremely pleasurable. Thus he made it possible for everyone, regardless of how humble his circumstances might be, to enjoy one of the greatest blessings of life, being dependent neither upon genius nor great wealth.—Gen. 1:26-28; 2:18-24.

20, 21. (a) Why has Jehovah God given laws governing the gift of sex? (b) What does God’s Word say about those who violate his laws in this regard?

²⁰ But with this gift the Creator wisely, justly, yes, and logically, gave restrictions, not arbitrarily, but for man’s own benefit, and in particular for the benefit of womankind, the weaker vessel, and for the benefit of the offspring resulting from this blessing; for which reasons he ruled out fornication and adultery. Even as man’s need for food and drink entitles him neither to steal nor to make a glutton or a drunkard out of himself, so the power of sexual expression is not to be exercised in any way that pleases man without regard for God’s laws or the consequences to oneself or to others. So we are required to exercise self-control in regard to how we give expression to this instinct by thought, word and action. That is why God’s Word counsels husbands: “Drink water out of your own cistern, and tricklings out of the midst of your own well.”—Prov. 5:15-23.

²¹ Yes the arousal and satisfying of the mating instinct is an extremely pleasant sensation, and therefore the fallen human heart has a strong inclination to indulge therein. But unless this is exercised within the bounds of marriage it is stigmatized in the Scriptures as “the works of the flesh . . . fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct,” things that debar one from the blessings of God’s kingdom, even as we read: “Let fornication and uncleanness of every kind or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people . . . For . . . no fornicator or unclean person or greedy person—which means being an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and of God.”—Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3, 5.

22. What Scriptural counsel is given to men and women in regard to careful conduct between the sexes, with what implications?

²² Christian men in particular should be careful to exercise self-control as to their speech and actions, so as not to arouse uncleanness in the opposite sex, as it seems to be the tendency of fallen man to delight in seduction. Christian women, on the other hand, must be careful so that they “adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” Just as masculinity brings pleasure to women, so femininity brings pleasure to men, but unless it is coupled with modesty it is an unclean pleasure. Miniskirts can hardly be said to be modest. The words of Jesus recorded at Matthew 5:28 have implications for women. How so? In that Christian women have the obligation not to dress provocatively, not to tempt men to keep looking at them and so reap a prideful pleasure in noting how they are able to play upon the emotions of men. And when men violate that scripture they not only become guilty themselves but may well arouse the woman so that she also becomes guilty. Clearly, both men and women in the Christian congregation must do their part if the older women are to be treated “as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness.”—1 Tim. 2:9; 5:1, 2.

SELF-CONTROL IN OTHER AREAS

23, 24. In what other areas must Christians be careful to exercise self-control, and for what reasons?

²³ The Creator did not put upon the lower animals the obligation to exercise self-control. By merely following their instincts they remain well, live out their appointed life-span and serve the purpose God meant for them. But with man it is different. Jehovah God endowed man with reason and with conscience and with willpower, which, however, have been impaired by the fall. Therefore imperfect man must continually discipline himself so as not to go to extremes in whatever may give him pleasure. Thus there is nothing wrong with recreation in itself, with sports, hobbies and suchlike, IF they are kept under control, in their proper place; IF moderation is exercised in their enjoyment. But if one has difficulty in being moderate in the enjoyment of such good things, be it a hobby or watching TV, it would be better to do entirely without than to have it become a snare to one.—Mark 9:43-48.

²⁴ The same even applies to one’s daily secular occupation. It may be quite interesting or challenging, or one may find it greatly rewarding because of the money earned or other benefits. These factors may well cause one to become a compulsive worker, lacking in self-control. Such men often become victims of high blood pressure and suffer heart attacks. Then again, many persons are unable to exercise self-control in the acquiring of material things. Easily influenced by the flattering talk of salespeople, they make unwise purchases and thus become beholden to creditors.

25. What has been brought to our attention in the foregoing regarding the value and need of self-control?

²⁵ Truly the value and need of self-control can hardly be overemphasized. Unless we exercise it, all our Christian labors may prove to have been in vain “somehow.” Lack of self-control started the human race on the road to sin and death and has caused the fall of many of Jehovah’s servants and misery to them. But it is possible to exercise it, as many faithful Bible characters have shown. In particular, when it comes to pleasures, to the things we enjoy of themselves, such as food and drink, sex and recreation, do we need self-control if we would do the wise, the loving and the right thing.

“Supply to Your . . . Knowledge Self-Control”

“For this very reason, by your contributing in response all earnest effort, supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge, to your knowledge self-control.”—2 Pet. 1:5, 6.

1, 2. (a) Why is Peter’s admonition to supply to our knowledge self-control so fitting? (b) Why does exercising self-control not come easy?

GOD’S Word places great stress on our acquiring the knowledge it contains. Such knowledge is indispensable to our gaining everlasting life, even as Jesus said: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) But as we have just seen, knowledge without self-control will not gain us life, and therefore most fittingly the apostle Peter counsels us: “For this very reason, by your contributing in response all earnest effort, supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge, to your knowledge self-control.”—2 Pet. 1:5, 6.

² Great as are the value and the need for exercising self-control, so great might be said to be the effort required to do so. Why? Why must even mature Christians be ever on guard to “go on walking worthily of God,” although admittedly it takes a greater effort on the part of some than on the part of others? (1 Thess. 2:12) Because, under present conditions, adhering to the course of rectitude is the very opposite of following the lines of least resistance, which, in turn, is due to the three foes that we as Christians have pitted against us, the flesh, the world and the Devil.

3. What foe within us makes self-control difficult, as seen by what Scriptural testimony?

³ First of all there are the inherited fallen tendencies of the flesh. Yes, just as we have inherited various physical infirmities from our forebears so we have also inherited moral weaknesses or flaws in personality. We cannot escape it, “The fathers were the ones that ate the unripe grape, but it was the teeth of the sons that got set on edge.” As Jehovah himself said about humankind right after the Flood: “The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.” And it seems that the more gifted or forceful the personality is, the more difficulty its owner has in exercising self-control; a fact borne out innumerable times not only by secular history but also by Scriptural examples. In particular is the problem that all servants of Jehovah have in exercising self-control well stated by the apostle Paul: “For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, there dwells nothing good; for ability to wish is present with me, but ability to work out what is fine is not present. For the good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice.” No question about it, Paul recognized he had a fight on his hands to exercise self-control. But it is clear from both his own words and his record that he never gave up warring against the weaknesses of the flesh and that they did not gain mastery over him, or he could never have written: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with.” He browbeat his body, keeping it under control. It might be said that by keeping up our warfare against selfishness, against a lack of self-control in little things, we will not so likely cause stumbling by yielding to gross sins.—Jer. 31:29; Gen. 8:21; Rom. 7:18, 19; 2 Cor. 6:3; 1 Cor. 9:27; Ps. 51:5; Mark 14:72.

4, 5. (a) What visible foes do we have to face in our efforts at self-control? (b) What invisible foes?

⁴ And secondly, we have lined up against our efforts to exercise self-control this wicked system of things composed of Godless, selfish men. They endeavor to exploit us by appealing to our weaknesses for their personal gain. (1 John 2:15, 16) It is to their interest that we give way to our passions, overindulge in food and drink, engage in loose unclean conduct, read lascivious literature, attend immoral movies, become fanatics in sports, or needlessly burden ourselves down with debts because of buying things we could ill afford. And then there is the example of those about us who yield to such temptations.

⁵ Thirdly, we have also to contend with the ones exercising invisible control of this present wicked system of things, Satan its god, together with his demons. (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 6:12) He succeeded in causing Eve to act without self-control and tried his worst to cause Jesus to act in a similar manner. (Matt. 4:1-10) We may never forget that we have not only visible foes to deal with but, most of all, invisible ones, the chief of which “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”—1 Pet. 5:8.

GOD’S SPIRIT AND WORD OUR HELPERS

6. (a) What poweful force has Jehovah provided to aid us in acquiring self-control? (b) How in particular can that force be obtained?

⁶ But even as we have powerful forces working against our exercising self-control, we have still more powerful aids to help us to exercise it, chief of which are God’s holy spirit and his Word. As we read: “Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” Jehovah says. (Zech. 4:6) What a great help God’s holy spirit is in exercising self-control Paul makes clear: “Keep walking by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all.” That IS self-control! More than in any other way, that holy spirit can be acquired by regularly and earnestly feeding on God’s spirit-filled Word. From Genesis to Revelation it is filled with direct and indirect admonition to exercise self-control. As we have seen, it gives us many warning examples of the harm that results from a lack of self-control and many fine examples showing the wisdom of exercising self-control and the rewards for it.—Gal. 5:16.

7-9. (a) What counsel does God’s Word give us as to controlling our thoughts? (b) Our spirit or emotions? (c) Our affections, longings or desires?

⁷ Among the things that God’s Word directly counsels us is to control our thoughts. Due to inherited weaknesses and the imperfect and wicked conditions all about us, it is very easy to think wrong thoughts, proud, bitter, resentful, impure and self-pitying thoughts. Because of this we are counseled to ‘make our minds over’ and to train them to ‘keep considering the things that are true, righteous, chaste, lovable, virtuous and praiseworthy.’ The goal we are to strive for in our thinking is to bring “every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ.” What a high standard that sets for us!—Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5.

⁸ By regularly reading God’s Word we also get much direct counsel on controlling our spirit, our temper, our emotions. “He that is slow to anger is better than a mighty man” who is not slow to anger, and therefore without self-control, “and he that is controlling his spirit than the one capturing a city,” but who has not made captive his spirit. Yes, “as a city broken through, without a wall,” and so without any defenses, “is the man that has no restraint for his spirit.”—Prov. 16:32; 25:28.

⁹ Then again, God’s Word directly counsels us to control our affections, our longings and desires—the things we set our hearts on—so important because that is where all the trouble starts. Who would ever be guilty of a sin meriting disfellowshiping by the Christian congregation if he always controlled these? As Jesus so well warned: “Out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies,” all of which defile a man and bring forth bad fruit. (Matt. 15:19, 20) Wisely we are counseled: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” Yes, the first step in the wrong direction is taken when one permits the heart to dwell on things that are pleasurable but bad in God’s sight, even as the disciple James shows: “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire,” dwelling on things forbidden by God. “Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” Truly by perusing God’s Word we get much fine counsel on controlling our thoughts, our spirit and our desires!—Prov. 4:23; Jas. 1:14, 15.

10. What does God’s Word have to say about controlling our tongues?

¹⁰ In God’s Word we also find much counsel on the need to control our tongues. Repeatedly wise King Solomon counsels us in this regard, as at Proverbs 10:19: “In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.” Inspired Christian writers counsel us likewise: “Let fornication and uncleanness of every kind or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people; neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming, but rather the giving of thanks.” (Eph. 5:3, 4) In particular does the disciple James have much to say about the need to control the tongue and even states that unless we control our tongues our form of worship is futile. What forceful counsel for us to control our tongues!—Jas. 1:26; 3:1-12.

11. What counsel do the Scriptures give as to how we should walk?

¹¹ Thoughts, words—and actions. Yes, by feeding on God’s Word we will also be helped to exercise control of our actions by reason of the fine counsel it gives. Among the ways it gives us this is by counseling us on how we should walk, how we should conduct ourselves. The apostle Paul considered this so important that he had something to say about it to every congregation to which he wrote. Thus he counseled the Christians at Rome: “As in the daytime let us walk decently.” The Christians at Ephesus he admonished: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.” For the Colossians he prayed that “you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual discernment, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work.” To the newly formed congregation at Thessalonica he wrote: “We kept exhorting each one of you . . . that you should go on walking worthily of God”; “that you may be walking decently.” To walk decently, to walk worthily of God, to keep strict watch how we walk, all take self-control!—Rom. 13:13; Eph. 5:15, 16; Col. 1:9, 10; 1 Thess. 2:11, 12; 4:12; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:16, 25; Phil. 3:16.

OTHER ACTIVITIES CONDUCIVE TO SELF-CONTROL

12. How does guarding our association aid us in having self-control?

¹² Among other activities, in addition to studying God’s Word, that are conducive to self-control is associating with fellow Christians, as in obedience to the counsel found at Hebrews 10:23-25. By associating with our Christian brothers who also appreciate the need of self-control, we will be aided in exercising it ourselves. They are not so likely to tempt us to indulge in loose conduct. Especially is this true when it comes to vacations. Vacations spent at the Kingdom Ministry School, at assemblies and conventions or in serving where the need is greater, as in isolated territory, are a safeguard to us. But whether on vacation or at any other time, if we choose to associate with those who do not have the same high standard as we have regarding self-control, we may well find ourselves imitating them, thus spoiling our useful habits. Wisely we are warned: “Do not have companionship with anyone given to anger; and with a man having fits of rage you must not enter in, that you may not get familiar with his paths and certainly take a snare for your soul.” Voluntarily associating with such is a mistake!—Prov. 22:24, 25; 1 Cor. 15:33.

13. How does faithful field service help us to cultivate self-control?

¹³ Then again, faithful, consistent, diligent activity in the Christian ministry is conducive to self-control. It takes self-control to go to bed on time on Saturday night to get a good night’s rest so as to be in fine fettle for Sunday’s theocratic activities. It takes self-control to get up early Sunday morning so as to be able to meet with other Christians for field service. It takes self-control to continue in the ministry as long as one knows one should when the weather is inclement and little interest is found at the doors of the people. And as one goes from door to door one meets up with many a trying situation which may challenge one’s self-control. He may be insulted, slapped on the cheek as it were; but for the sake of the good news one will turn the other cheek—that takes self-control! And so it does, to answer with mildness and deep respect when one in authority demands a reason for the hope one has; even as it does to answer with mildness when one meets up with a raging householder.—Matt. 5:39; 1 Pet. 3:15; Prov. 15:1.

14. Of what help is prayer toward gaining self-control?

¹⁴ Still another activity conducive to cultivating self-control is prayer. Frequently drawing close to God is a real help. Look to him for help in time of need or stress or temptation. Never neglect prayer, but make it a habit, not a mechanical one, but an earnest, sincere and heartfelt habit. Ask God for help, keep asking him, beg his forgiveness when you have failed to exercise self-control. Each time earnestly tell him you will strive to do better the next time. Yes, keep praying, ‘do not bring me into temptation’; “pray incessantly,” “persevere in prayer,” in regard to your acquiring self-control.—Matt. 6:13; 1 Thess. 5:17; Rom. 12:12.

QUALITIES AIDING IN CULTIVATING SELF-CONTROL

15. What can be said about the fear of Jehovah as aiding self-control?

¹⁵ Of great help in cultivating self-control are also such fine Christian mental attitudes or qualities as fear of Jehovah, humility, faith and love. No question about the fear of Jehovah aiding us in cultivating self-control. Rightly we fear Jehovah because of his position and attributes. To him as the universal Sovereign we are accountable and “there is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.” Rightly we fear to displease him, for he is perfect in justice whereas we are imperfect, sinful, prone to go the wrong way. Rightly we fear him also because of his unlimited power: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” This fear of God is “the beginning,” “the start of wisdom,” for it “means the hating of bad.” Yes, it is not enough that we love truth and righteousness, but, like Jesus Christ, we must hate, abhor, have a strong aversion to all lawlessness, no matter how pleasant, desirable or appealing it may be to the fallen flesh. That means our ‘replacing the old personality with its practices with the new personality.’—Heb. 4:13; 10:31; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10; 8:13; Col. 3:9, 10.

16. In what ways is humility conducive to self-control?

¹⁶ Another quality that is of great help in our exercising self-control is humility. And no wonder, since one of the greatest obstacles to self-control is pride. The humble person, for one thing, is not easily offended and so not so likely to be tempted to act without self-control. The humble person is more likely to have patience in dealing with others and therefore to be long-suffering, which makes for self-control. In seeking to cultivate self-control we need Jehovah’s help, his undeserved kindness, and that is available, not to the proud but to the humble: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.” The wicked ones mentioned by Jude who turn “the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for loose conduct,” and so are lacking in self-control, are also proud, “disregarding lordship and speaking abusively of glorious ones.”—Jas. 4:6; Jude 4, 8; 1 Pet. 5:5.

17, 18. (a) How can the spirit’s fruit of faith assist us in self-control? (b) How can love?

¹⁷ Also able to aid us in the cultivating of self-control is faith in Jehovah God and in his promises. How often we become disturbed because of a lack of faith in God, making it difficult for us to exercise self-control! Job was able to endure because of his faith. It took real self-control not to “curse God and die,” and he was able to exercise it because of his faith, which enabled him to say, “Even if he would slay me, would I not wait?” Faith will enable us not to get heated up because of evildoers but to exercise self-control, waiting on Jehovah, knowing that vengeance belongs to him and that he will repay. Faith will enable us to exercise self-control and not succumb to the temptations of materialism, knowing that this world and its desires will soon pass away. Faith will enable us to exercise self-control when being persecuted, knowing that the worst that man can do is only to kill the body.—Job 2:9; 13:15; Ps. 37:1; Rom. 12:19; 1 John 2:15-17; Matt. 10:28.

¹⁸ And, above all, love will help us to cultivate self-control. If we love Jehovah with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, then we will certainly seek to please him by exercising self-control. It will make us careful that we do not bring reproach upon his name by bad conduct. And loving our neighbor as ourselves will also call for our exercising self-control, so as not to cause him any pain or harm, and especially so that we do not stumble him. Showing the connection between love and self-control are the words of Paul: “For this is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor [that takes self-control], not in covetous sexual appetite such as also those nations have which do not know God; that no one go to the point of harming and encroach upon the rights of his brother in this matter, because Jehovah is one who exacts punishment for all these things.” Love for our brothers will keep us from erring in such matters by a lack of self-control, even as it will enable us to obey the counsel: “Keep making straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather that it may be healed.” Paul set us a fine example in this: “If food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat flesh at all, that I may not make my brother stumble.”—1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 12:13; 1 Cor. 8:13.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS OF SELF-CONTROL

19. What benefits accrue to body and mind from self-control?

¹⁹ The benefits and rewards for exercising self-control are truly great. This is as it should be, since Jehovah the righteous God is the universal Sovereign. Even as failure to exercise self-control results in harm all out of proportion to the immediate advantages or pleasures experienced, so it might be said that exercising self-control results in benefits all out of proportion to the efforts involved. For one thing, self-control makes for health of body and mind. Thus one of America’s leading nutritionists stated that “health is the reward of temperance” or self-control, and that “to be lean with a settled temper means long life,” and recent research has shown that psychiatric patients are far more numerous among college girls who are promiscuous than among those who hold on to their virtue.

20. Exercising self-control gives what spiritual benefits?

²⁰ Even more important, self-control helps us to have self-respect. We all know what God requires of us individually and, to the extent that we earnestly and honestly try to measure up to that standard, we will enjoy a clear conscience and have self-respect. (1 Pet. 3:16) It will also keep us from following “after the crowd for evil ends.” (Ex. 23:2) Moreover, exercising self-control will greatly aid us in cultivating the other fruits of the spirit. We cannot have joy unless we discipline our minds, hearts and bodies, for Christian joy is not mere feeling but is based on principle. The same is true of peace. How can we have peace if we keep getting into trouble because of a failure to exercise self-control? And as has already been noted, long-suffering goes hand in hand with self-control. Likewise, to be kind and mild when it really counts, as under trying situations, requires great self-control, even as it does to hold on to goodness in the face of temptations to yield to selfishness.—Gal. 5:22, 23.

21. How does our exercising self-control benefit others?

²¹ Self-control results in blessings, not only to ourselves, but also to others. For one thing, it will keep us from stumbling others. (Phil. 1:9, 10) It will help us to become good examples to them. It makes for good relations within our own families, where so often the need to exercise self-control is overlooked, even as it makes for good relations in the Christian congregation, at one’s place of employment, and at school. To the extent that we have responsible positions or aspire to such, to that extent we must strive even harder to exercise self-control, for such positions demand more of it. Thus a key question by which symphony orchestra musicians judge conductors is: “Does he maintain self-control under pressure?” Yes, the Christian overseer must be “moderate in habits, . . . orderly, . . . reasonable,” all of which means that he must be “self-controlled.”—1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9.

22. Above all else, in what does our exercising self-control result?

²² But above all, self-control makes for good relations with Jehovah God and contributes to the vindication of his name. Only by exercising self-control can we prove ourselves wise and make his heart glad, so that he can answer the one taunting him. Truly the need for self-control can hardly be overemphasized!—Prov. 27:11.

Stimulating Our Brothers by Our Own Zeal

What are some fine examples of godly zeal?

The greatest example of godly zeal is that given by Jehovah God himself. His zeal makes it certain that all that he has promised he will also perform.—Isa. 9:7.

Jesus Christ manifested godly zeal for his Father’s house, as when driving those out of it who had made it a cave of robbers. (John 2:13-17) His apostles after Pentecost displayed such fiery zeal that they were charged with overturning the inhabited earth. (Acts 17:6) And to the Corinthian Christians Paul was able to write: “Your zeal has stirred up the majority of them.”—2 Cor. 9:2.a

To stimulate our brothers we must have what kind of zeal?

Zeal is variously defined as a passionate ardor for a cause or person; as an intense eagerness in promoting some end. It is also referred to as earnestness, enthusiasm, devotion and fervor. To stimulate our Christian brothers to be zealous for Jehovah, we should have such kind of zeal. This is a genuine zeal, which is a sincere, warm concern for the glory of God and the spiritual welfare of mankind. Without such zeal there can be no triumph, nor perfected Christian personalities, no lasting rewards or deeds of Christian faith. It is to zealous activity in connection with the Lord that Christians have been called. This kind of zeal imbues Christians with the desire to transform their minds and personalities to those of Christ. Having such kind of zeal, we will stimulate our brothers to zealous service.

Helpful also in our stimulating our brothers to zeal is our being careful to see spiritual values as they really are without confusing them with specious substitutes. We need to recognize what is genuinely important and not confuse it with what is plausible but of secondary importance. Not to be overlooked, either, is the fine example of full-time service, as a general or special pioneer, as a missionary or member of the Bethel family, as an aid to stimulating our brothers to zealous service.—Matt. 6:33; Mark 10:28-30.

What will help us to sustain our Christian zeal?

Genuine zeal requires much energy. This vital energy or force is sustained by taking in the truth from God’s Word, for it is alive and exerts power. (Heb. 4:12) The need therefore is to study God’s Word daily and meditate on it so that, even as with Jeremiah, it will become “like a burning fire shut up in [our] bones.”—Jer. 20:9; Rom. 15:4.

To sustain our Christian zeal we must also be careful not to associate with those whose bad habits can dampen our zeal and rob it of its fire. Associating with doubters not only may cause our zeal to flicker but may even extinguish it. Fair-weather Christians can easily discourage us from zealous service because of hot, cold or wet days.—1 Cor. 15:33.

Keep on cultivating good spiritual insight, the perception that is always able to distinguish between truth and error, between right and wrong. To sustain our zeal we must also keep in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah. Yes, the awareness of Armageddon’s nearness will also serve us as a warning and help us sustain our burning Christian zeal, as we stimulate our brothers.