To deter drug use during the 1980’s, Nancy Reagan came up with the slogan “Just Say No.” While some historians have labeled this former public service announcement a failure, she was on the right track. People don’t wake up and become addicts over night. Rather, addictions develop through a series of poor choices, one compromising decision at a time. Thus, a far better warning is don’t let yourself go where evil lurks.
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls, Proverbs 25:28.
Discipline is a vehicle to keep individuals out of danger. Similarly, self-control can guide people when they are tired or weary. Nonetheless, temptation attacks minds, implanting fantasies, lustful desires and ill-conceived ideas. Escaping these thoughts require divine intervention. However, prayer does not always prevent people from tasting forbidden fruit, going beyond defined boundaries into the unknown longing for a permanent high.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified, 1 Corinthians 9:27.
Yesterday, I missed working out for the first time in 2017. Sure, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I know what this decision can result in. As an expert snoozer, not getting up the first time your alarm goes off can set a precedent. The next time you roll over to hit snooze sends a message which feeds your sinful nature, “I’ll get up when I want to.” If you have great expectations for 2017, don’t let yourself go any further. Before laziness takes over, trust in the Lord to keep you on track to fulfill what God has called you to do.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 