LIFE IMPROVES AS WE PRACTICE SELF-CONTROL

We live in a time where the freedom to do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want, is the popular understanding of freedom and the source of a wonderful life.  Why then would God call us to exercise self-control and motivate us to deny ourselves the right to express our feelings in certain ways at certain times? God’s desire is that everyone may experience the abundant life He has planned for them. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.   (Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

God knows what works and what doesn't.  God calls us to have self-control, so we can experience deep and lasting joy and satisfaction in our relationship with Him and with others. Following are some areas for us to consider as we conduct an inventory of our lives in the area of self-control. 

TEMPER:  People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.  (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)

WORDS:  Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.  (Proverbs 13:3 NLT)

USE OF TIME:  Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.  (Ephesians 5:16 NLT)

MAKING MONEY:  Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.  Be wise enough to know when to quit.  (Proverbs 23:4 NLT)

PARTYING:  Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. (Proverbs 13:13 NLT)

HARD WORK:  Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. (Proverbs 13:4 NLT)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to learn Your ways and to practice self-control in every area of my life.  I need Your power working in me to help me step away from my self-centered attitude and desires.  Please change me from the inside out.  Amen