The Virtue Series: Self Control Part 2.

The Virtue Series: 

Self Control Part 2.

Why do we need this virtue?  Self-control is necessary to moderate those things that are good when used to preserve our lives, yet become evil when they are abused.  It is possible to have too much of a good thing.  The three primal areas of life, namely, food, drink and sexuality are necessary for our survival, and are the most difficult to control.  They require the virtue of self-control if they are to be properly and healthfully used for our good. 

SCRIPTURE 

Let us examine scripture passages that are pivotal to this virtue as follows: 

·                     Romans 6:11-23: Saint Paul encourages us to control our passions through the power of the Spirit of God, Our freedom from sin grant us our sanctification and eternal life.

·                     Isaiah 5:11-12: indicates that those who get drunk are cursed because, as a result of their drunkenness and lack of self-control, they fail to acknowledge the Lord.

·                     Romans 13:11-14: warns us against making 'provisions for the flesh'.  We are to be prepared for the return of the Lord.

·                     Ephesians 5:18: God commands us not to get drunk- it is in fact a sin.

·                     1 Peter 4: 7: indicates the need to be sane and sober so that we can pray.

These are tough readings, and yet when we reflect upon them seriously, and the need to have this virtue of self-control, we realize that living righteously is not boring, because we can then enjoy God's gifts in the manner they were meant to be enjoyed.  However, if we choose to indulge in the passions of the flesh, we become slaves of our flesh and commit serious sin, damaging our relationship with God.  However, thankfully, God is merciful and should we fall into sin, we only have to admit our faults and ask His mercy and forgiveness in the sacrament of Reconciliation. God is always ready to forgive and make us free from sin.

As I ponder about this virtue of self-control, I felt challenged to consider:

1.            How does our culture evaluate gluttony, drunkenness, and fornication?

2.          Has my understanding of these things been shaped by the Church or by society  views?

3.            Do I need to change my thinking and my habits?

The Catholic Church, by referring to sexual relations as the 'marital act', has clearly indicated the proper context for such behaviour. It is important to remember that both premarital sex and adultery are serious sins which need immediate repentance.  The Church teaches this in accord with Scripture.  The following passages define the context and purposes of the marital act and the gravity of the offences against chastity. 

·                     I Corinthians 6:15-20: The marital act is only appropriate within the context of marriage.  Fornication is a sin against your own body, the Body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit, of whom you are a temple.

·                     I Thessalonians 4: 3-5: Not controlling our bodily passions is equivalent to being a heathen who does not know God.  Lust is a sin again charity and chastity.

·                     Hebrews 1: 3-4: Marriage is to be honoured and the marriage bed kept pure as 'God will judge the immoral and adulterous'.

 Thankfully, God does not expect us to be perfect.  Some people suffer from addictions in these areas.  Whether we are prone to be tempted and fall, or we suffer an addiction in these areas, we need to

·                     seek God's help through prayer and fasting so as to grow in holiness.

·                     gain healing through the sacrament of Reconciliation.

·                     attend weekly/daily Mass to receive Christ in the Eucharist so as to become like
            Christ and less prone to sin.

·                     seek appropriate counselling.

May we continue to desire and grow in this virtue.

Next week, the series will continue as we explore the virtue of faith.