Live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. —Titus 2:12–13 ESV
Our ability to have godly self-control now is tied to our future hope. Those who look forward to Christ’s return can say no to their flesh in anticipation of the eternal rewards that await them in glory. They can endure the difficulty of delayed gratification knowing that what (who) lies ahead is far better than anything this “present age” has to offer.
Think of it this way. In a moment of weakness, you might be tempted to pull into the drive- through of a fast-food joint to buy a burger that looked irresistibly big and juicy on the billboard you just passed. But then you remember you have reservations at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. You think of that luscious steak you’re going to sink your teeth into. And suddenly, that fast-food burger seems cheap, mass-produced, and tasteless.
You can wait. You can say no to the drive-through because you’re going to say yes to an amazing feast just ahead.
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Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together
©2017 Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
Scripture taken from The ESV
Make it Personal
How can focusing on our future rewards in Christ help you personally to practice self-control in the here and now?