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
- 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.
- Discipline may be internal, coming from the heart, conscience, and fear of God, or external, imposed by laws, rebuke, or societal supervision.
- 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.
- External discipline helps the spiritually immature person, such as laws, authorities, and upbringing, but it is not sufficient on its own.
- 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.
- 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.
- Discipline is linked to obedience, whether in the home, the Church, or society, because obedience trains the soul in spiritual order.
- True freedom is not doing whatever one desires, but being freed from sin; misunderstanding freedom leads to spiritual chaos.
- Spiritual values and principles control the person internally, such as honesty, non-retaliation, and controlling the tongue and senses.
- 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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