The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent -agent- during the 2007-2008 League.
Self-Government: A Biblical Study
Self-government, also referred to as self-control, is something that Scripture says applies to three key areas of our lives: our thoughts, our actions, and our words.
First, the Bible commands us to govern our thoughts. Proverbs 23:7a states "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Our thoughts determine our actions, and our actions determine who we are.
Exposing our minds to bad things is easily detected through our actions and words. Its "garbage in, garbage out."
Instead, the Bible commands us to fill our minds with good thoughts, such as meditating on Scripture or praying to God. Self-control is of utmost importance.
Secondly, controlling our thoughts is the first big step to controlling our actions. Proverbs 20:11 states "Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right." Our actions determine who we are; they determine how other people view us.
Assisting others or worshipping God can show other people that we are Christians. By demonstrating God's love through our actions, we are setting a good example. This principle is found in Matthew 7:16a, "You shall know them by their actions."
This verse cuts both ways, however. When unbelievers witness Christians acting like hypocrites, saying one thing yet doing another, it can cause them to reject God. Our wrongdoing may seem small to us, but such actions may have a significant impact to others as they witness this behavior. The preferable approach is to let all your actions flow from Christ's love within you, not from the idle things and desires of life.
Lastly, the Bible also implores us to control our words. Job 27:3-4 says "As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit."
God commands us to refrain from using our tongues for evil. This would include lying, gossiping, blaspheming, boasting, speaking ill of someone, or taking the Lord's name in vain. There are many ways to use our tongue incorrectly; it is imperative that we consciously seek to control it.
Psalms 35:28 says, "My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long." Instead of evil, God commands us to use our tongues for good -- telling the truth, saying good things about other people, praying or worshipping the Lord. Our tongues are powerful tools, and the Bible entreats us to use this power wisely.
Proverbs 25:28 puts it this way, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Self-control is a crucial principle; something that cannot be neglected. Ultimately, they who can control themselves will be rewarded for their efforts with a clear and renewed focus on Jesus Christ and His will for their life.
