Learning Self-control

If we are not conscious of God at all times, we may be relieved for time being from the reactions of the sinful activities, but we will again commit transgressions. It is very clear that "repetitive transgressing and atoning are nothing but waste of time". Let us take an example of an elephant which cleanses his body thoroughly in a lake or a river, as soon as he comes onto the shore he takes dust and throws it all over his body and immediately become dirty again. Similarly, if one may cleanse himself in the process of atonement, if he again commits sinful acts, what is the use of atonement?

So, How can one ultimately become free from all contamination brought about by the worldly nature? If one cannot achieve liberation, what is the use of atonement? One reason why many are struck in the cycle of sin and atonement and never realize any spiritual benefits is Ignorance. In the Book of Hosea, God feels sorry for Israel and says,

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (ignorance) of My law and My will...

[Hosea 4:6]

We face trouble and suffering in our lives due to ignorance. Real atonement is performed with knowledge of the God's Law and God's Will. If we intend to stop this cycle of repetitive sin and atonement we must come to self-realization. If we do not think or act wisely as the scriptures prescribe, we cannot stop the problems in our lives. Simply by atonement there may be a temporary suppression of difficulties, but they will soon arise again. Instead we must build up our knowledge to capable enough to understand the Law and Will of God. The first necessity is the acceptance of austerity. If a doctor advises a diabetic patient not eat sugar, the patient must refrain from sugar if the patient prefers cure. This is called Self-Control: voluntary acceptance of a miserable condition. The ability to do this is good, and human life is meant for that purpose. The Scripture prescribes Self-control and it is an essential tool for spiritual advancement.

In his letter St. Paul writes to Timothy, we read,

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity and cowardice, but He has given us a spirit of power, love, sound judgement and personal discipline, well balanced mind and self-control."

[2 Timothy 1:7]

Self-Control is certainly required. Without self-control we cannot advance in spiritual life or knowledge. If we simply engage in the animal propensities of eating, sleeping, mating, defending and not accepting self-control, the human life will definitely be a failure. Self-Indulgence has become the way of life for many of us and many assume this as an advancement and freedom in life. This may provide temporary happiness in life but self-indulgent behavior will cause havoc in one's life and make their life fruitless. 

The real fact is that if one wants to advance in spiritual understanding and solve all the problems of his life, he must accept this life of Self-control - austerity and restrictions. We read in the Book of Proverbs,

He who rule and controls his own spirit is better and more honorable that he who captures a city.

[Proverb 16:32b]

Many see the restrictions that tag along with Self-control as the most difficult thing to observe and might sometime become anxious. Remember restrictions are for human beings only, not for animals. We encounter restrictions daily in our common dealings.We cannot drive our car when the red traffic light is on. We cannot carry fireworks in the flight with us. The law therefore makes distinctions between human beings and animals, because human beings supposedly have advance consciousness. If we do not follow rules and regulations ethically, we will lapse into animalism. Apparently propaganda is being made celebrating freedom as opposed to a regulated life, but one who sees things as they are can understand that freedom from all restriction is an animal life. Therefore, if we want the real freedom from our problems of life, we have to accept a life of austerity. Bondage to material life is lethal.

No man in this planet can live permanently. But one who dies after executing a life of Self-control knows the absolute truth of life. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans urges the to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. By doing so the people would set themselves free of all worldly bondage. Christ Jesus sets a high standards for the basic ten commandments for self-control. We read in the gospel of St.Matthew,

"You have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not murder and whoever murders shall be guilty before the court". I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice against him shall be guilty before the court; whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be guilty and whoever says, "You fool!" shall be in danger of a fiery hell..."

[Matthew 5:21-22]

"You have heard that  it was said, "You shall not commit adultery"; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

[Matthew 5:27-28]

"Jesus said to him, "You lack one thing: go and sell all your property and give money to the poor, and you will have abundant treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

[Mark 10:21]

Spiritual advancement that can prevent you from repeated sin can only be achieved by following Self-control as prescribed by Christ Jesus himself. By austerity and control of mind and senses one can advance to a pure life. As soon as one's life ends all the monetary resources and everything else that he has collected in connection with his body becomes useless. Therefore, it is always good to spend money for sake of God's kingdom. 

Real atonement necessitates thoughtfulness, sobriety and meditation. We should not be frivolous or waste time. If one wants wisdom, he needs to practice austerity and self-control. We need elevated consciousness of God and His goodness. Offering ourselves to God as a living sacrifice is a sublime and proven way for advancement of pure life with spiritual maturity.