Self Control for an Uncontrollably Blessed Future!

Originally posted May 5, 2013

Self-control is defined as, “Restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires.” The Bible speaks to self-control in these passage:

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

As believers we have a responsibility to exercise self-control. Self-control is evidence of faith and the Holy Spirit in our lives producing this Fruit of the Spirit. The very concept of "self-control" implies a battle between a divided self. It implies that our "self" produces desires we should not satisfy but instead "control." Jesus said, we should "deny ourselves" and "take up our cross daily,"  and follow him. Daily our "self" produces desires that should be "denied" or "controlled." Self-control brings up everything from extreme dieting plans to over indulgence. We usually think of self-control as a negative, which is partly true.  Self-control is, in part, the art of saying "no" when we should, not merely when we feel good about it. The lack of such control in our culture can be related to chemical abuse, overeating, or a host of other unhealthy behaviors.  This should concern every believer, we as believers of Christ should wish to be a lighthouse of God’s grace to those who are “out of control.” Rick Warren author of Purpose Driven Life provided good tips on developing biblical self-control. 

• People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)
  

• People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)
  

• People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)
  

• People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)
  

• People with self-control manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)
  

• People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)
  

In what areas do you need to develop for self-control? The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. If we are not training ourselves in the life of godliness and self-control, we will become trained and skilled in greed and covetousness, which is idolatry, the worship of the flesh and its appetites. Without self-control, we become the slaves to the world, the flesh, and the adversary and become incapacitated, unable to serve God and one another or even our own best interests. We end up not only serving ourselves, but we become slaves to our appetites. But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself. Today let's gird up the loins of our minds with Intercessory Prayer so that we may walk in the fruit of the spirit, Self-Control.

Enter Into Prayer

Dear Lord, I admit from the get go that self-control is a big issue. It is not that I am determined to do what I want to do or that I enjoy living an out of control life.  I sincerely desire a life defined by willingness, not willfulness. That in itself is evidence that you are “at work in me, both to will and work for your good pleasure.” The issue is recognizing that I control who or what is in control of me – my words, my actions, my attitudes, my impact and influence in this world.  That is a frightening amount of power.  And the use or abuse of that power impacts more than just me. The more freedom I have, the more powerful that power becomes.

Almighty God, only you can handle absolute power.  That is because you have mastered self-control. You restrain your power and your rights for our benefit. Distributing how much and when based on what is in our best interest. You demonstrate that Godly self-control is the selfless distribution of grace. I am often the recipient of that amazing grace.  That is something I tend to take for granted instead of responding with the depth of gratitude due.

We use our power when we drive, when we spend money and our time, when we use the various things entrusted to us, when we open our mouths, and especially when we interact with each other. We are very capable of abusing this power for self-serving and exalting purposes.  The right use of all that power depends on submitting our hearts, mind and will to your control. Spirit enabled self-control is self under control – under your control!

Lord, my family desperately needs self-control as we interact with each other and function in this world. Each of us needs to exercise self-restraint, and lovingly encourage it in one another.  Help us to learn how to control our own bodies, desires and will, by consistently and intentionally submitting these to you.  This requires taking every thought captive and running them through the filter of your glory and grace. It is as simple as asking, “Does this glorify you and benefit everyone and anyone impacted?”  An abuse and lack of self-control is evident when what I do benefits only me or those I choose.

May we be self-controlled and alert, so that our spiritual enemy has nothing to take advantage of.  Through the filling of your Spirit, you provide the ability to employ self-control as a wall of protection around us. But it requires depending on you.  O Lord, make us clear minded and self-controlled, so we can submit to your will in all areas of our lives, preparing our mind for action and firmly grasping your amazing grace. 

Fill us with your Spirit, Lord Jesus. Do whatever you know needs to be done, so that your Fruit, the Fruit of Glory and Grace, is continually produced and manifested in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. May all of these attributes be manifested in our lives at all times and in all ways for your divine purpose and glory! In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen!