6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
One of the unpleasant jobs of being older is helping younger people understand the consequences of their actions. We often don’t do a very good job of passing on the lessons of self-control. Our culture is one of excesses. Moderation is not a high cultural value. And yet, self-control has so many benefits. When we are able to curb our own desires, we begin to have a good self-image. We feel better about who we are and our place in the world. We also develop a greater sense of hope in the future. The world does not seem so out of control when we are able to control ourselves. I have noticed over the years that I still have the impulses that I did when I was young. I still want to act crazy and irresponsible. I still want to act like the ten year old wanting attention. But I now realize that the negative cost of those behaviors far outweighs the temporary benefits. I lose far more than I gain. So, I have learned to exercise self-control. I know those around me sometimes wonder if I do, but if you only knew how many impulses I resist…. I want to encourage you to examine your life and see if there are some areas that the Lord wants you to exercise self-control. Then I want you to ask the Lord to help you do just that, to exercise self-control. Then just do it. God’s grace will be there.
The Arnold Journey 