Learn Self-Control

 

    Learning self-control is part of learning about yourself, what you need, and what you really want in life.  It is learning to sacrifice some things to obtain what you are working toward.  The truth is that God will not force you to conform.  He has given you instructions and it is your job to conform or lead a meaningless life without true understanding of what it could be.

    Learning self-control may be unpleasant, but once you obtain the skill it does become easier.  You get to literally see the fruits of your labor.  You are in better health.  You are not obese or too skinny.  You eat well and work out, so you are stronger.  You handle own time management skills that benefit relationships, boundaries, work, and sleep.  You have time for God and the benefits you spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.       

    The gift of self-control gives you a well balanced life, but it requires constant maintenance.  You live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.  You look young longer when you have self-control. 

    It can feel like an inconvenience when you want to do something, but you keep yourself in check.  It can be annoying to live a self-inflicted schedule.  It can be frustrating when people do not understand and criticize how you live.  However, the upside is a lot more beneficial than the down side.

    Mastering self-control masters your tongue.  That will be a life long battle.  You know that you have finally mastered your tongue when you no longer use bad language, speak in anger, no more gossip, no more lies, or hurtful language.  Self-control allows you to be a truth speaker.  Your words will hold power and impact.  You can speak out about things that other people cannot.  You can be kind, but not a butt kisser.  You worlds hold wisdom.

    Self-Control helps you articulate what you want to say using wisdom.  You are able to communicate without being told what to say or do.  You learn what is God's job and what is your job to accomplish in life.  You can let go of small things because it has nothing to do with the bigger picture.  

    The skill of self-control allows you to hold yourself accountable, so that other people's opinions on how you live your life means very little to you.  You can be directed to work with other people, but you will not be controlled by other people.  

    Bot having self-control reveals an insecurity or instability in people.  You need to love the world enough to care about people, but not so much that they influence your path more than God.  If you have to use sarcasm for them to hear you, then they are not people that are willing to really listen.  Pray for them, but don't waste your words on them.

    Self-Control helps you recognize the spiritual forces that are always around you.  God works for all things that are good in your life.  He is always preparing and taking care of you.  He will encourage you to get going when it is time to move and rest when you need to stop.  He will use what Satan intends for evil and turn it into something good.  

    If you have self-control, then you should use it to focus on your relationship with God first.  He will direct you on how to build and maintain it by giving you the truth.  If you do not learn self-control, then you will never hear that message.  You have to have self-control to follow Jesus.  It is the only way you will remove everything holding you back.  The Holy Spirit will help you gain self-control if you allow Him.

    Lying spirits will always be tossing you around, keeping you down, and distracting you away from the truth.  Demons are real.  Satan is real.  They are not victims or heroes of any true story.  They are evil and want to hurt you.  Do not let them.  Work to find the truth.  The truth hurts sometimes.

1 Kings 22:20-28, Proverbs 25:25-28, Mark 9:42-48, Romans 8:12-13, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Galatians 5:22-26, James 1:19-21, &1 Peter 4:7-9