Friday, January 05, 2007

Self-Control

I got home so very late last night and up early again this morning to go to work. I didn't get to do my daily devotions. It seems like sin takes over my body if I am not in God's Word every morning. The littlest things can upset me and cause me to lose self-control. That is an excuse but it sure seems to help if I am in the Word every morning before my day begins. I thought I would do my study on Self-control today since that is what I am lacking in my life right now. I need to pray that I will just have the self-control to think through issues first, before I run my mouth.

Daily devotional January 5th, 2007

Self-Control

I am 43 years old, and even at my older age I feel like I have still not mastered self control. I give into all sorts of temptations, even though I fully understand the consequences. I also tend to use excuses why my self control is lacking. I have had seven children, and three grandchildren and I still find it hard to practice self-control. Sometimes I feel like I will never be able to master this.

Self control is a difficult concept for me to grasp, I am inclined to act on my emotions and desire for instant gratification rather than doing what will be the best for me in the long-run. For some people this can entail indulging in many different things such as, compulsiveness, addictions, obsessions, irrationality and other self-destructive behaviors. From overeating, procrastinating, impulsive buys, abusive relationships or drug and alcohol abuse, a lack of self control in our daily life will eventually catch up with us if it hasn’t already. For me, it is my lack of thinking through issues before I lose my temper. It normally takes me a day to think about my actions, repent and try to understand what I need to do to change. It just seems like if I would have self-control in the first place, I would lose the steps of having to think about something all day, repent and normally have to ask someone's forgiveness. Then feel badly for the next week!

I really need to work on this for the New Year! Maybe by 2008 I will have mastered this sin in my life.

If I we’re good at self control, I just might get to the point were I am not even conscious of the fact that I practice it in my daily life. This is were I want to get to. I need to think about this for a moment. If I am late to work, I can still practice self control by abiding by the speed limit. I guess it is almost like a little kid; I don’t eat the cookie out of the cookie jar because I don’t want to spoil my dinner. There are some things you just know not to do. But it is a scary thing when I continue to have no self control even when I am aware of the negative effects. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Why does it have to be so hard!

I looked up in the dictionary to see what the definition was:


Self control is the exertion of one's own will on their personal self - their behaviors, actions, thought processes. Much of this comes from the perception of self and the ability to set up boundaries for that self.

Self-control can be expanded into several different areas, ranging from respect to willpower. Self-control has variable effects on people. It can be affected because of illness and past experiences and it can be improved through the course of life. It is a personal and development of the mind's creation and personality, thus the self-control of one's own mind will be varied from person to the next.

What does God have to say about Self Control?

1 Corinthians 7:7
I wish that all men were like I myself am [in this matter of self-control]. But each has his own special gift from God, one of this kind and one of another.

1 Corinthians 7:9
But if they have not self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame [with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire].

Galatians 5:23
Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law that can bring a charge].


1 Timothy 2:15
Nevertheless they will be saved if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control,


2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

2 Peter 1:6
And in knowledge, and in self-control steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),


Galatians 5:22, Paul describes it as one of the fruits of the Spirit, and in Titus he says `Urge the younger men to be self controlled.'

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I need to do better in this part of my life too....thanks for sharing and for your kind words on my blog....

God Bless

Carole Burant said...

Dearest Lori...I'm catching up with everybody once again! Self control...to be honest, I don't think very many of us have it. It's very much a part of human nature to have a hard time practicing self control no matter how hard we try! I do hope, if that's what you want, that you reach that point but don't beat yourself over it, you're not alone!! Much love xoxo

Anonymous said...

You know - self control is a very hard one. But if I let Christ renew my heart every single day, I can master it -- but only with His help.
Thank you for sharing your devotion with us...

Jim said...

Thanks for this devotion, Lori. I generally don't think much about self control.
Probably because I feel I've gotten in years so that I fairly stay out of trouble and in God's good graces.
Not that I have perfect self control. Now I will do a self check against your Scriptures.
Thanks again.
..
BTW, what happened to your blog page? Did you switch to the new Blogger?
..

Connie said...

great post Lori! I'm there with you...

Susannah said...

This is a good devotion. Of all of the fruit of the Spirit, self-control may be the most challenging. Thanks for this timely reminder!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your honesty!
Every blessing this day
Maria in the UK
www.inhishands.co.uk

Pamela said...

The Word is a powerful tool, and glad you have realized it sooths the soul and offers you balance and self control compared to the days you are rushed. With God all things are possible. :) You are a wonderful friend and a inspiring blogger, don't be too hard on yourself. Maybe, try to cut back in a few areas. :)

Christina said...

This is one I think we all struggle a bit with. I am 43 have had 7 kids and have 2 grandchildren, I sometimes wonder if this wears on one's control a little bit. You will eventually overcome this one. I work on this one quite a bit. It just seems temper sometimes gets the best of me.

Linda said...

I agree with Christina - this is one most of us struggle with. I was just thinking the other night I need to get some self-control in my eating and the way I spend my time - and a few other areas. I know that we have the power to do it. I think you have the right idea - staying in the word. Jesus has already given us the victory in all these things.