MASTERY BEGINS IN THE MIND

Basically, self-mastery finds its source in the mind. When we make up our minds to exercise self-control we usually finish up doing so. It is easy to blame things like tiredness, pressure of work, lack of money, misunderstanding and the like for loss of control. But if we make up our minds to reign in life, with the help of God, it can be done.

One of the strongest passages in Scripture on this subject is in chapter nine of the first letter to the Corinthians. Here, Paul compares himself to an athlete striving to win a race or a fight. It is no use just going out to the field and hoping to win. Prior to the event there must be rigorous training and strict self-control.

‘I beat my body,’ says the apostle, ‘and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified for the prize’ (I Corinthians 9:27).

If athletes trained in the way some Christians do, they would be booed from the field! The prize for believers is far more worthy than any earthly reward, yet so often we fail to strive for it!

‘When I rule my soul, I am in control.’

To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.