Let’s face it, self-control is hard, it is often painful and not very tasty. But it is a necessary part of our daily lives. How do we know what areas we should have better control in our lives?
Self-Control – Choosing to do what you should do, and not what you want to do. *Upward Sports Definition
James 1 19b – “Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.”
Self-Control – Finding and Gaining
Let’s face it, self-control is hard, it is often painful and not very tasty. But it is a necessary part of our daily lives. How do we know what areas we should have better control in our lives?
My father is one of the most disciplined men I know. I also have the privilege to serve with a hero of mine who is probably the most disciplined man I know.
I am sure both would say that it has been a journey for them. A lot of it dictated by their jobs, desiring for God and other influences in their lives. Both men are avid runners who run several times a week and have been for years.
Here is the kicker. They are vegans.
They are vegans not for environmental or animal reasons, but because it is better for their health.
I have great respect for both because of that and how strong their relationship with God is.
How would they know to eat and exercise better? They had to read and see what was the best thing for their body.
In our lives we find what we need to have self-control by what we have been taught, and mostly through what the Bible tells us.
James 1:19 talks about having control in our speech and with our anger.
The Bible gives us the 10 Commandments that give us rules and principles on what to have control on in our lives. The Bible is filed with wisdom and guidance to developing this control in out lives.
I find that it is impossible to have control over an area without the power of God helping me.
Growing up I had a problem with what I said. I was constantly negative and had little control over what I said. To this day I can still struggle with this but not very often. Why? I am constantly asking God to help me.
Here is a verse that helped me.
Psalms 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
God’s Word challenges us and helps us with our control.
Psalms 119:11 have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2 Keys To Gaining Control
Before I give you these two quick keys, remember ultimately you need the help of Christ through prayer to help you. Galatians 5:16 – “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
1. Memorize God’s Word. There are some free Bible apps out there for IOS and Android. One of them is called Remember Me. Or use a 3×5 card to help you memorize. My sister would put a verse on her mirror with a dry-erase marker. Pick a verse or passage. Psalms 119 is a great place to start.
2. Read God’s Word. Pick a place where you can read consistently. Pick a time of day that you will read. I read before I head off to work in the morning. Start a plan. Nothing will happen unless you have a plan. Many people fail at reading their Bible because they randomly thumb through it to find a place to read. I would suggest going to Youversion.com. Find a plan that you like and start it. They have free apps for your phone or device. I have loved the Chronological plan. Maybe find someone to keep you accountable with your reading.
There is a lot that can be said about this but my prayer is that you would spend more time praying and seeking God about finding more self-control in your life.
Remember everyone has areas that need more work or that is a constant battle. But God is there to help you through them
Think or seek out some verses that might help you with control in your life. May God bless you as you pursue this!
