In Peter’s day, the word translated “self-control” was used to describe athletes. The successful ones abstained from sexual activity and an unhealthy diet for the sake of disciplined training exercises. You practice personal self-control when you control your desires and don’t allow them to control you.

     在彼得时代，“自制”翻译过来的意思曾用来形容运动员。能自制的人因着严苛训练的缘故控制自己的性欲和不健康的饮食。当你控制自己的欲望，不让这些欲望控制你的时候，你就做到了自制。

Let me share some practical tips that have helped me with self-control.

下面分享一些帮助我自制的小窍门。

1. Start small. For example, begin by cleaning your bedroom or office, then extend that discipline to the rest of your home.

1. 从小处入手。举例，开始打扫你的卧室或办公室，然后扩大到整个屋子。

2. Be on time. This is more than good advice; it’s based on Scripture (see Eccles. 8:6; Eph. 5:15-16). Learn to budget your time, and discipline your desires so you can arrive at places on time.

2.按时而行。这个建议是好上加好；该点基于圣经的教导（参传道书8：6；以弗所书5：15-16）。学会安排时间，操练按时达到自己的目的。

3. Organize your life. Use a schedule book, or make a daily list of things you need to do. Don’t let circumstances control your time.

3. 计划你的生活。用一个日程本，或是列下每天当作的事情。不要让意外状况控制你的时间。

4. Practice self-denial. Periodically refrain from something that is all right just to remind yourself who’s in charge. Sometime when you want a hot fudge sundae, have a glass of iced tea instead.

4.操练克己。定期阻止自己做一些事情，来提醒自己是谁掌权。有时你想要一个热的软糖圣代，相反，去用一杯冰茶来代替。

5. Do the hardest job first. Doing this will keep you from letting the difficult tasks slide by undone.

5. 首先做最难的工作。这样可以防止最难的任务被搁浅。

6. Accept correction. Constructive criticism helps you become more disciplined because it shows you what to avoid. Acknowledge the courage of the one who corrects you. It’s almost always easier to keep silent, but that person, especially if he or she is a believer, spoke up because he or she likely had your best interest at heart.

6. 接受校正。建设性的批评可以帮助你更好的节制，因为它让你知道应该避免什么。感谢有勇气给你指正的人。大多数情况下保持沉默更容易，但那个给你指正的人，尤其他或她是基督徒的话，之所以说出来是因为他或她可能最关心你的内心。

7. Welcome responsibility. If you’re qualified for a task or assignment that arises, such as opportunities at church, volunteer occasionally. That will prompt you to be disciplined and organized.

7.乐于承担责任。如果你有能力胜任某种新工作或任务，诸如教会里的机会，某种志愿服务等。这可以帮助你提高节制和条理性。

Some of the items on my list may not seem very spiritual and may even sound silly. However, I’ve found that pursuing discipline in the secular realm often carries over to the spiritual. Any theology that separates faith from practical conduct is heresy. Self-control is a great Christian virtue and solid proof that one’s salvation is genuine.

有些列出来的方法看起来并不是很属灵，甚至听起来有点蠢。但是，我发现在世俗领域中的节制可以延伸到属灵生活。任何将信心和实际行为分开的神学都是异端。节制是一个美好的基督徒品质，可以证明一个人的真实得救。

Suggestions for Prayer

祷告建议

Ask God to help you get better control of an area in which you lack discipline.

求上帝帮助我们可以在缺少节制的方面更好的自制。

For Further Study

进深研究

Read 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2. How do those verses underscore the importance of self-control? Explain.

阅读哥林多前书9：25，提摩太前书3：2， 提多书1：8，2：2. 解释一下，这些经文中如何强调节制的重要性的？