I Know I Can (through Christ)

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In January, I reacquaint myself with my treadmill and wave good-bye to the sugary treats from the holidays. I’m not one to make resolutions in the New Year, but I do like to set goals. Since I am tired of all the rich food by the time New Year’s rolls around, giving some of it up seems easier. But, I know at some point the temptation to eat the fattening stuff will creep up and I will need to engage self-control. Through prayer and positive thinking, I rely on God’s word to keep me in check.

Titus refers to self-control several times in his short book. He encourages the men, women and young people of the church to develop self-control. When I am disheartened and let go of my resolve, I need his help and the support of my brothers and sisters in Christ. As I seek to reach my goals (no matter what they are) and stay obedient to God, I keep my eyes on the hope that I have in Jesus. With him all things are possible.


Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.