SELF-RESTRAINT
‘Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.’
‘Temperate’ is too weak a word. The Apostle refers to the great and ungrudging self-restraint while under training. So, and more, should the servants of Christ who strive for an unfading crown.
I. A man exercises self-restraint who is under a master.—He submits, and must submit, to many inconveniences, many things which are not in a line with his own inclinations. We serve the Lord Christ.
II. A man exercises self-restraint who has work to do.—He must, if the work is to be done. It is not play. If a man is to do it honestly and well, he must deny himself ease and pleasure; must sacrifice anything that stands between him and it. If we are Christ’s followers, we have work to do.
III. A man exercises self-restraint who lives for the future.—The scholar, the man who looks forward to an honourable career, the man who bears in mind coming years of weakness, and old age, etc., all exercise self-restraint. We are living for the future—for heaven, for eternity. Let us cheerfully bear privations, labours, crosses, which the worldling can evade, knowing that these things are not worthy to be compared with the glory which awaits.