Self-Control

The lecture revolves around the importance of self-control in the life of a Christian, as it is a fundamental element of spiritual growth, protecting a person from following personal desires and sin, and achieving true freedom, which is liberation from the authority of sin, not freedom to commit it.

Spiritual and Educational Dimension

1. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that every human being needs discipline, just as everything in life has regulations that control it; the human being is more deserving of this since he is created in the image of God.
2. Discipline may be internal, coming from the heart, conscience, and fear of God, or external, imposed by laws, rebuke, or societal supervision.
3. Internal discipline is the best, because it flows from purity of heart and love of God, as seen in examples such as Joseph the Righteous.
4. External discipline helps the spiritually immature person, such as laws, authorities, and upbringing, but it is not sufficient on its own.
5. Fear is considered a temporary educational means to control behavior, whether fear of punishment, fear of the consequences of sin, or fear of losing God’s grace.
6. His Holiness explains that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, but perfection is when a person reaches self-control motivated by love, not fear.
7. Discipline is linked to obedience, whether in the home, the Church, or society, because obedience trains the soul in spiritual order.
8. True freedom is not doing whatever one desires, but being freed from sin; misunderstanding freedom leads to spiritual chaos.
9. Spiritual values and principles control the person internally, such as honesty, non-retaliation, and controlling the tongue and senses.
10. Spiritual discipline leads to psychological and spiritual elevation and places the person on the path of the narrow gate that leads to the Kingdom.

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