Field Of Dreams: Delays– Self-Indulgence

Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, 'Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.'

Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from Heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My Law or not.’

Exodus 16:2-4 (NKJV)

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.* We can’t lead other people without it. Because if we let selfishness run wild, we're like kids on a mountain of candy: filled with empty sweets and begging for more.

Plus… how can physically-filled Christians look like spiritually-filled Jesus?

The Apostle Paul said, 'Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1). Although no one can reach His perfection, Paul tried:

'I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified' (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Practice DOES make perfect--ultimately, and we’re steadily improved as we try. Paul refused to become disqualified as a church leader--by hypocrisy.

At the start of their Exodus journey, the Lord’s chosen people lacked self-control. They whined about food. They wanted more than manna from Heaven.

So God sent an enormous flock of quail, and said, 

'You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you' (Numbers 11:19-20).

After that, He set a plague upon them. Because when God’s people over-indulge in the things of this world, it’s LIKE a plague.

His Word confirms: God is a tough-love Dad, Who allows His kids to experience the consequences of self-indulgence.

Eventually, they learned self-control. In terms of manna, they couldn’t hoard it, because it went bad. 

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: practice self-control, because it is LEARNED. Things you want or need (food, clothes, cash, hobbies, trinkets, or success) shouldn’t be hoarded or overly prized.

Consider some perks of self-discipline. By it…

  • You refuse to be trapped in temptations.

  • You accurately represent Jesus.

  • You set a good example for others.

  • You’re ready to work… and likely to book.

  • You please God and allow HIM to fill you!

Field Of Dreams: Delays– Self-Indulgence (Part 8)

* 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control' (Galatians 5:22-23).

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban