Daily Devotional

To be self-controlled means saying “no” to the impulses of the flesh, no matter how strong the temptations may be. It means to act right no matter what one feels inside. Self-control or self-discipline is not something we acquire from the blues; it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit; that is to say, self-control is one of the manifestations of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. Hence, to be more self-controlled, we must pray constantly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Like the Pharisees, who exploited the people’s devotion to God for financial gain, we often devote all our talents and gifts to our quest for riches. In a bid to acquire as much wealth as possible, we tend to forget God and even forget that God lives within us. It can become so bad that we even become hostile to God, just like those who plotted to kill Jesus because He cleansed the temple. Let us examine our hearts: “Are there things I must expunge from my life so that God can take His rightful place in the temple of my heart?”

If Jesus could accept baptism to fulfil all righteousness, it means there is no room for the mediocre Christian in heaven. We must avoid spiritual minimalism. Don’t just try to do your best; strive for sainthood. Be exceptional at everything you do. Challenge yourself each day to be better, holier and wiser. Never settle for less. As Jesus admonishes us: “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)