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Gayle J. Thorn

Self-Discipline vs. Self-Control


In Galatians 5:23 we are told that we are to have self-control.

In 2 Timothy 1:7 we are told to exercise self-discipline.

What is the difference between self-control and self-discipline?

Self-control is the ability to stop yourself. A person with good self-control is able to stop his emotions and actions from taking over. He knows how to stop himself from thinking, saying, or doing wrong, dangerous, or hurtful things.

Self-discipline is the ability to move yourself. A person who is self-disciplined knows how make himself do what is right.

An example of self-control in the Bible would be Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young men had the opportunity to live a life of luxury working for the king. When the king commanded everyone to worship the statue that he had made, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to take the easy way. Instead, they stopped themselves from doing what was wrong – worshipping a statue – and faithfully worshipped only God.

Abraham is a wonderful example of self-discipline. When God told Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, Abraham obeyed. Abraham could have chosen not to obey God's command. He could have chosen to follow his natural instinct to protect his son. Instead, Abraham chose to make himself do what God told him to do. "So you see that Abraham's faith and what he did worked together. His faith was made perfect by what he did" (James 2:21).

I hope you will be like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Abraham. I hope you know when to stop yourself and when to move yourself. Why? Because a self-controlled, self-disciplined life honors and pleases God.

"...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to know when to stop and when to move. In Jesus' name. Amen.


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