Self Control is not one of my favorite topics… so much so that every time I hear the word it brings a sigh out of me.
But I know it is something I have to work on daily!!!
As you know I have told you about some of my bad habits such as giving, giving, and more giving. But I have a few other self-control issues… I love food! And not just any food… give me all the desserts and I just start salivating. I am a desert queen and make no apologies for it. But when the pounds start packing on then I know I have to start thinking about the “s” word.
I also lack self-control in the area of patience. I can’t keep up with people who either waste my time, are rude, mean or bullies. I use to snap every time.
But what many persons don’t realize is that self-control doesn’t come from self. It comes from Christ.
And so the Lord and I have truly been working on my self-control issues with these different areas. I didn’t just wake up one day and realize I needed to do this, but through daily prayers, in asking for wisdom and God to transform my life, I was lead to verses like this which woke me up:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I want to run my race and run it well. In order to do that though I need to be disciplined to ensure I don’t bring dishonor to God’s name as I go out and try to spread the Good News and bring HIM glory.
Many people think they can get it without God. Don’t fool yourself… trying to conquer this without God is impossible. It is a fruit of the spirit and one which requires much prayer and meditating on His Word.
In the middle of situations, I am now constantly praying for strength, wisdom and discernment. It is a slow process but one that God clearly pointed out to me was important.
Food for thought: If our goal in life is to give God all the glory (which it should be for all Christians) then our lives can not be about self… It cannot be about living a life which lacks discipline and control.
Prayer: Father, the act of discipline and self-control is not easy for me. Forgive me. Strengthen and guide me Lord. Your Word states that a person’s wisdom yields patience, it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11). Shower me with your wisdom Lord and to your Kingdom be the glory forever. Amen
May God’s mercy, grace and peace be with you.