Because of this, make every effort to add integrity to your faith; and to integrity add knowledge; to knowledge add self-control; to self-control add endurance; to endurance add godliness; to godliness add Christian affection; and to Christian affection add love.
2 Peter 1:5–7
S elf-control is good. Even though it can feel like self-torture, it’s actually good. Self-control is evidence that you have made God the Lord of your life instead of yourself. The most effective and powerful people in the world of faith are not people who pampered themselves but people who denied themselves every chance they got, like athletes training for a big race. Believers who train their bodies and minds with self-denial become strong and effective in their work.
Self-control demands hard work, but the payoff is thousandfold. With self-control comes peace, hope, and strength. Instead of telling yourself “I just can’t,” you will be telling yourself “I have to, and he will help me.” The believer who chooses self-control never does it alone but with the help of God himself. You have to work at taking back your body and mind for the work of faith instead of the works of this world. Self-control increases not only your strength but also your faith and your effectiveness. Your purpose on this planet, whatever it is, starts with self-control. Master that and then you will most assuredly reach your purpose.