Pursuing holiness will mean developing self-control. Women, of course, need self-control too (Titus 2:3–5). But given what God expects of heads of households and shepherds in the church, the cultivation of self-control is of particular importance for young men (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4).

If we want our conduct to magnify the worth of our Savior, we have to learn how to control unholy and dishonorable impulses within us.

How is your self-control? What areas of your life are a challenge to control? Your thoughts? Your reactions and responses? Your activities during idle times? Repetitive actions that are undesirable?

And not just with our bodies, but with our time, our spending, even our attention. Growing in godliness will mean regularly saying no (and often to good things). “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control . . .” (2 Peter 1:5–6). Where do you need to grow in self-control? What do you struggle to say no to, even when you know you should?

What are some goals and expectations for your life this week? How will you live out your role as a man of God this week?