Calvin Synod Herald, 1994 (94. évfolyam, 2-6. szám)

1994-05-01 / 3. szám

Self-centered or Self-controlled?

Scripture reading: I Corinthians 7:1 -9. Text "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23.

Let us pay attention to one of the fruits of the Spirit namely self control. In our scripture reading it occurs twice, in the 5th and 9th verses.

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD__________________________-J -_____________

The Concept of Control or Being Controlled

How reassuring it is to hear; everything is uner control. But what does the word CONTROL mean? The synonyms are; to regulate, restrain, curb, limit, inhibit, constrain, rein. We will agree upon the necessity of regulating measures shall it concern eitherthe individuals orthe whole community. When things get out of control it can become devastating and even tragic.

Many share the conviction that we would be very unfortunate at the end without any control yet we are not so sure when a specific case takes place;

Who is controlling whom and on what basis? Who has authority over others?

Where are the limits; what is still acceptable and what is already intolerable?

When things get out of control what corrective procedures are permitted?

How important are the preventive measures? (Who cares, prepares?)

Why does not God control people, mother nature, and the flow of events even more? How far should the divine providence reach? Where is the end of our freewill? Can we be held responsible for our actions if we are controlled? How much limiting power shall be given to the authorities and elected leaders? If the lack of control creates problems who shall be blamed?

The Bible's Unique Feature, The Extra Step in Spiritual Life: Self-Control

Which of the subjects taught in the high school incorporates self-control? The liberal view is against any restriction of the individual and the separation between the church and state does not permit teaching religious ideas in the public schools. Only in the church can one hear about the necessity and importance of practicing self-denial and self-control.

The triple roots of self-control;

I. FELLOWSHIP. We must have a positive relationship with each other because we are living in a society where we depend on each other more and more. What is

your idea of interpersonal relationship? Is it important or negligible? According to the Bible, the relationship among each other must be sustained and cherished. Please read I John 1:1-7.

2. One must possess a Set of Values. Here is the great contrast between the world and the teaching of the Bible; while in the world of luxury, comfort, prestige, wealth are pursued relentlessly, the word of God puts high values on spiritual matters, first of all on salvation. Our Lord said: "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life (spirit)? Or what shall a man give in return for his life (spirit)?" Matthew 16:26.

3. Strong Willpower. Without the strong willpower of the heroes, saints, martyrs, and outstanding leaders of the past our present would be much poorer. Think of the willpower of the Savior He had exhibited in the garden of Gethsemane: "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Matthew 26:39. Or can apostle Paul be our example who wrote: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus,..." Acts of Apostles 20:24.

The temptation to lose self-control is there when one uses this excuse; if others could get away with it, why should it be forbidden to me? I cannot have the same pleasures what others enjoy? The answer is in the continuation of those chain reactions what apostle Paul had started: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." I Corinthians 11:1 and what apostle Peter recommends: 2 Peter 1:5-8.

____________REFOMflTUSOK LAPJA

...the wacky winter weatherwe have had is still a result ofthe after-effects of the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in June, 1991 - and the global climate system is still trying to get back to normal, says weather expert Paul Handler. □

...nearly everybody needs bifocals

by the age of 45, says optometrist Melvin Schrier. Bifocal contacts can only be worn successfully by 30-40% of those who try.

...you're more likely to be the victim of violent crime these days than you are to be injured in an auto accident., says a study by the U.S. Department of Justice.

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...more than 80% of cancers are

attributable to factors that we can control. An example of this is smoking and diet.

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...smokers of up to one pack a day

have 1.8 times the stroke risk of nonsmokers. Smokers of more than one pack a day have 2.4 times non-smokers' stroke risk. Good news: former smokers' stroke risk drops quickly after they quit.

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...did you know that Vitamin C was discovered by Professor Szentgyörgyi of Szeged University and he developed itfrom ourfavorite "szegedi paprika"? He received the Nobel Prize for his discovery.

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