Taming the Monster (A Newlife Ministries Devotional)

Taming the Monster

It teaches us to say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. - Titus 2:12 

Are you aware that the vast majority of American homes are inhabited by a monster? It's true. In fact, most homes now have several. Family rooms, bedrooms, and basements are their favorite spots. The older, larger, ones sometimes have four legs; and some of the younger ones hang on walls. Have you guessed? I'm talking about your televisions. And make no mistake about it: they are monsters. 

Like many things in life, your television isn't inherently bad. It has the potential to provide education and entertainment. The problem is, for most of us, the television has transgressed all proper and constructive boundaries in our homes and lives. Consequently, our conversations, our meals, our study time, our attention spans, our sleep-even our sex lives-have been invaded by this household monster.

 You don't need to throw the baby out with the bath water, but it wouldn't hurt to set some boundaries for our TV use, both for us and for our kids.

- Steve Arterburn

"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." - Johnny Carson (1925-2005)

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Burn Out

Burnout

Are you burned out, or in danger of burn out? Has your life gotten so busy that it takes every ounce of energy on a daily basis simply to keep from falling behind? And you're not doing a very good job of that? 

If so, I understand-it's not a good feeling. Like the dilemma of having a tiger by the tail: let it go and it'll gobble you up; hold on and you're in for a wild ride. According to recent polls, the American workforce is burdened by a great deal of stress; 77 percent reported feeling occasional burnout, which, by the way doesn't discriminate by age, gender, or other common groupings. 

The first thing I would recommend this week if you're feeling burnt out is that you honor that commandment about the Sabbath. Take a day where you spend time worshipping God and the rest of the day away from anything close to your daily grind. Take a walk. Go to a park or the beach. Stop receiving input and give your mind a rest. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"Until a man has found God, he begins at no beginning and works to no end." - H. G. Wells (1866-1946)
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Developing Self-Control

Developing Self-Control

Developing self-control will help you tremendously as you seek to follow and become more like Jesus. And what we learn in the Bible is that self-control is both a fruit of the Spirit and a part of a larger progression of spiritual growth. 

Peter, who learned some difficult lessons about self-control himself wrote this: "Your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone." (2 Peter 1:5-7) 

Where are you struggling to exert some self-control? Are you struggling to control your temper with your husband, wife, or kids? Are you struggling to work diligently? Or maybe you work so diligently on the job you feel you're entitled to spend your evenings playing video games, watching TV, or closing the door of communication with your family. Are you having a hard time living without that drink? How about your eating or spending habits? I could go on and on, but I think you catch my drift. 

Self-control is a "fruit" that grows in your life when you cling closely to God, allowing his Spirit to flow through you. As you persevere, God will develop his own character in you, including self-control. And remember, you're not alone. Seek help from your pastor, a wise friend, or a counselor-God has put these people in your life to help you in your efforts to be faithful. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"The greatest strength and wealth is self-control." - Pythagoras (6th century B.C.)

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