OUR sevens team would not have achieved gold in Rio if they had not incorporated a vital component into their training program — abstinence.

Under the guidance of the coach the players abstained from alcohol, eating junk food, mobile phones, socialising, late nights, drinking grog, and a whole host of other things that would have compromised their physical and mental condition.

In an age where we are weaned on instant gratification, we run the risk of becoming slaves to addictions and unhealthy living if we do not practise abstinence.

It is essential for our physical and spiritual growth.

For the young people out there who aspire to greatness, take a page out of the player’s book and practice abstinence.

It is time to reclaim control of your lives — you can say no to binge drinking, pre-marital sex, infidelity, pornography, drugs, domestic violence, rape, theft and all forms of unhealthy living.

Don’t give in to temptations and all that rubbish out there.

The growing number of sex crimes, unwanted pregnancies, child abuse and broken families can be attributed to one thing — the absence of self control.

In the Bible, the Spirit allowed Jesus to be tempted by the devil when He fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert. He sent Satan packing.

We know we have the evil one beaten when we exercise control in moments when we are tired, hungry, angry or lonely.