April 28, 2004

Fully-Integrated LIFE: 
Not Addicted
“…entrusted with God’s work…
not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain…”
 (Titus 1:7)

This week we have been looking at the qualities that allow a person to become an influential leader.  Today, we want to begin looking at three qualities that really have to deal with one word, and that is…“Control.”

Throughout his New Testament writings, Paul encourages Christ-followers to be filled and “controlled” by the Spirit of God (See Ephesians 5:18 and Galatians 5:16-26).  Paul, in Titus 1:7, encourages Titus, and us, not to be controlled by three things…wine, anger, and money. 

NOT ADDICTED TO WINE
Our lives are full of choices.  We make dozens of choices each and every day.  What am I going to wear to work or school?  Where am I going to eat lunch?  What am I going to do with my free time?  At some point most adults come to the place where they wrestle with the question “Is it ok to drink alcoholic beverages?”  Perhaps this is the wrong question to ask?

Shouldn’t the question be “How can I be the most effective witness that I can possibly be?”

Paul says in I Corinthians 6:12 that, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”  The word “mastered” literally means “to have power or authority.”  Paul is expressing his desire to be filled with the Spirit and not be controlled by anything.

He goes on to say in I Corinthians 10:23 that, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”

With any decision we make, we should ask ourselves “Does this edify my Savior?”

A life that is focused on making an eternal impact cannot be controlled by anything…including wine.  Tomorrow we will look at not being controlled by anger and money.

Father,
We thank You for Your Spirit Who fills us up and provides us with all we need to in order to glorify you. 
Lord, I pray today that You would show me anything that is controlling my life and keeping me from being the person of influence that You have called me to be. 
Thank You for Your forgiveness and for Your provision.
In Jesus Name, Amen