Self-Control

It seems it would not require any great difficulty or hard work to have self-control. We all know it is important and needed in our lives. Yet, it is difficult and takes a lot of work to exercise self-control. Maybe it is because it is something to be exercised that we find it challenging.

Self-control is expected of us not just by our families, friends, and communities but the Lord expects it of us, too. Whatever we enjoy or desire that is not in line with the life Jesus prepared for us must be done away with. It’s no easy task! But we are not left to our own devices to accomplish the work of exercising self-control. We have what we need for willpower to overcome what is not meant to be part of who we are.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life
through our knowledge of him who called us
by his own glory and goodness.
2 Pet 1:3 niv

We have been given minds to use to work through our problems and struggles. We need to remember to think before we act. We need to seek the advice of people who know and love the Lord to help us overcome our adversities and to help us think decisively and with determination.

So think clearly and exercise self-control.
1 Pet 1:13a nlt

A godly life may seem to be beyond our abilities but it is not. Yes, it is not easy trying to live as the Lord would have us live. We often fall short and even fail in our efforts. We are imperfect and live in a world that does everything it can to distract us from the righteous life we are called to live. But, again, we are encouraged by God’s Word;

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.
And God is faithful.
He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.
When you are tempted,
he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Cor 10:13 nlt

Sometimes when I am faced with something that I need to exercise self-discipline about I think maybe God has me mixed up with someone else for surely whatever I may have in my path is more than I can resist. This often makes me afraid and discouraged and I want to just give up, quit trying and go with the ungodly flow. That’s when I know I need to talk with Jesus. Most often He takes me to this verse,

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,
but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Tim 1:7 nlt

Then I know it’s time to polish the armor and get to exercising.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor
so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Eph 6:13 nlt

Blessings this day of grace,