self-control isn't just for... myself

clearly, self-control- saying no to that thing that's not good for me but that i reeeally don't want to say no to- is honoring to God.

but i hadn't thought of it much beyond that until reading dietrich bonhoeffer's life together (classic exploration of Christian community & what it means for the church to be as Christ to each other).

"every act of self-control on the part of the believer benefits the entire community."

wow. thanks for this. my denial of self, my decision to say no to sin, isn't just helping me in my own walk & bringing honor to Him... it's benefiting the people around me. maybe i had missed the obvious. but this has been like a shaft of light for me in a damp dull cell. one area where it's been REALLY helpful & convicting is in my thinking. efforts to think biblically & run from lies, self-deprecation, ungodly thoughts, etc etc don't affect my posture toward Him only... these choices impact my brothers & sisters. in my fight to think well, i can bless those around me as i persevere in truth rather than give in to toxic thought patterns. how is the community benefiting when i choose to walk in the light? we have true fellowship w/Him & each other. which completes joy. which shows the world the love of Christ. really, the implications are pretty awesome. (reference 8/16 post for bonhoeffer's insight into what this might look like in relating to Him & each other in the day to day... & read the book for more.)

thank you, Father! and help us!