CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR - 2

''Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power'' - Prov. 16:32 (MSG)

One day, a rabbit boasted about how fast he could run. He laughed at the tortoise for being so slow. Much to the rabbit’s surprise, the tortoise challenged him to a race. The rabbit thought this as a good joke so he gladly accepted the challenge. As the race began, the rabbit raced way ahead of the tortoise, just like everyone thought. The rabbit got to the halfway point and could not see the tortoise anywhere. He was tired and decided to stop and take a short nap. Even if the tortoise passed him, he would still be able to race to the finish line ahead of him. All this time the tortoise kept walking step by step. He never quitted no matter how hot or tired he got, he just kept going. However, the rabbit slept longer than he had thought. When he woke up, he could not see the tortoise in sight. He went at full-speed to the finish line but found the tortoise there waiting for him.

Self-control is another critical success factor (CSF) in the race of life. This is the ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint and the ability to say “no” to our desires and fleshly lusts.      

In the above story, the rabbit finished badly because his self-control button was turned off somewhere between the starting point and the finish line. Instead of running, he was gratifying his flesh by sleeping. On the other hand, the Tortoise made a deliberate effort to keep his self-control button on till the race was over. He refused to indulge himself and that decision eventually paid off at the end. The tortoise decision resonates with the critical success factor mentioned by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27. Little wonder he finished well (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

"... I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to be caught napping,...." 1 Cor. 9:24-27 (MSG)

Beloved, self-control is a critical success factor in the race of life. It is better than muscular and political power (Prov. 16:32 MSG). You and I cannot afford to turn off our self-control button like the rabbit. A little moment of rest or carelessness may cost you a great deal. There is no room for frivolous or sloppy living in the race to eternity. That is why, in the RCCG, we have been taught to exercise self-control over our belly by fasting and praying regularly. By God's grace, the self-control button of our belly must be  switched on from 11th January to 1st March, 2023. It won't be a bad idea if you can join us for this spiritual exercise.

One hymn that re-echoes the scripture in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is titled ''No Parking On The Highway'':  

NO PARKING ON THE HIGHWAY By Joel A. Erickson (2006)

1. If you have started on the heav’nly road

Pay heed to every sign:

The One who paid the weighty debt you owed

Made it by His design,

And He will help you make the best of it,

Though raging storms may blow,

No matter what the way is, never quit—

Forever onward go! 

Refrain:

     There is no parking on the holiness highway,

     Just keep straight and true on track;

     Beware of going down a beckoning byway,

     Many never make it back;

     Though there are often many troublesome trials,

     Jesus knows about your load,

     And He will help you on the holiness highway—

     It’s the one and only road. 

2. When there are mountains on the road ahead

Just onward, upward climb;

Remember then the warning sign that said:

“No Parking Any Time”;

When all across the way it seems a wall,

Our God will make a way—

Just trust and listen for your Leader’s call;

Keep on without delay. 

Friends, If you are yet to start the heavenly race, please do so now by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. May we receive grace to run the race to finish line like Apostle Paul in Jesus name, Amen

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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