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Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure. (Titus 2:4–5)
It isn’t just women who need to be self-controlled. In this second chapter of Titus, Paul urged his protégé to teach the men, both younger and older, likewise, to be self-controlled. It seems we never outgrow our need for this discipline.
Jack Paar, a talk show host and comedian, said, “Looking back, my life seems to be one long obstacle course, with me as the chief obstacle.”
Researchers have found that people with more self-control live longer, are happier, get better grades, are more physically active, have more stable emotions, get better jobs, have better marriages, and sleep better at night. They have also discovered that self-control is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Jim Whittaker, a mountain climber, said, “You never conquer a mountain. Mountains can’t be conquered; you conquer yourself—your hopes, your fears.”
Self-control is a gift of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23). Implementing it is the key. We use this gift to move our lives in a direction that pleases God, instead of simply drifting with the currents of culture and whim.
It’s no wonder Paul urged Timothy to teach this to every age and gender. It’s because temptation is always with us, luring us off the most desired path. Make it a priority to be self-controlled.
Ask God for extra grace to implement the gift of self-control.
Ron McClung is a retired minister in The Wesleyan Church who enjoys writing and loves interacting with his large family.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
