Greatest Human Strength

GREATEST HUMAN STRENGTH

Fourth of seven devotions in Master Class Series

2 Peter 1:5-7

“For this very reason, [participate in the divine nature and escape corruption], make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness: and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

We’ve been watching five kids throw football, overhearing their banter during recess from fourth and sixth grade school classrooms. (See Masterpiece, Real Deal Christians, and Original Jesus devotions). Let’s turn up the heat.

“You guys don’t deserve to have Jules on your side, she throws a football better than either of you...and can catch it better, too!” Labron yelled.

“We’re just having fun, Labron. Mind your own business!” Greg countered.

“Besides, you can’t get better at stuff if you don’t practice,” Jules said.

“Naw. Miguel’s just pathetic at throwing a football!” Labron picked.

“I’ll show you who’s pathetic!” Miguel growled, walking toward Labron, fists in the air.

“Hold on, Miguel, Labron’s not worth getting in trouble over,” Greg shrieked, running towards Miguel. He threw his arms around Miguel, restraining him from attacking Labron.

Self-control enables people to resist urges. When others mock us, it’s hard to hold our tongue. Wanting to fight is a normal “get even” reaction when someone injures our pride. Egos bruise easily. No one likes feeling less than another person. It’s human nature to want to seize control over situations, especially painful ones.

Most problems happen because people fail to control themselves. Impulsive spending causes financial setback. Scratching the “I want” itch leads to violence, drug abuse, stealing, and every other crime. Poor self-control is responsible for most individual suffering.

Why don’t we develop greater self-control? Clearly, that’s not easy to do. So, who’s controlling us? There are infinite powers at work that seek to control, or at least influence people’s thinking and behavior. TV and written ads tempt us with better toys, ways to look better, even hollow promises trying to get our vote.

Satan tries to control human beings. When he wins, that person is ineffective at testifying for Christ. If it isn’t possible to not be controlled by anyone or anything in life, what’s the secret to self-control? Lack of self-control comes from fallen (sinful) nature. So, it requires something stronger than human power to fix it.

Take Home Nugget

Powerful self-control is the greatest human strength powered by the divine. Every believer-in-Christ has an invisible “Greg,” who restrains us from trouble. The indwelling Holy Spirit provides us divine strength that guards us against our fallen human nature. His power is critical for human victory.

Slow down, don’t go so fast.
Remember whose you are.
Surely, trouble won’t last.
Help isn’t very far.

J.D. Griffith

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