I hooked you didn’t I? I’m not really talking about someone who is controlling, though I do want to talk about control — SELF-CONTROL.
Initially, I wanted to discuss self-control when I heard some scriptures on Sunday and thought about my LACK of self-control lately. Not just with food either.
I can totally relate with Paul when he said in Romans:
Romans 7:14-20 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
I’m sure many of you can relate. But you know, it isn’t just with food, exercise, and water intake, but with my WORDS. Oh my — I don’t know what is going on lately, but I feel like my old nature keeps trying to surface!
I have had quite a few instances lately where the “old Beth” would have spoken her mind, no matter what the repercussions might have been. Yes, it is true. I was the youngest of 3 so my tongue was my defense. However, THANKFULLY I have decided to submit and follow my husband’s leading. I am FINALLY learning that I don’t have to spew out my point of view. I know, it is about time. Can I tell you how hard it is for me to hold my tongue!?!?!?
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
So, what do I do about this self-control issue?
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Ok, I am going to say something that should be a given, but some people don’t realize this: Are you ready? When we read God’s Word and DO what we read, we save ourselves a LOT of heartache. Does that make sense?
Is verse 7 above stating that the lack of self-control will effect our ability to pray?
Isn’t verse 8 above warning that if we AREN’T self-controlled (and alert) we will have an opening for the enemy in our lives?
Those two verses alone should encourage us to walk in greater self-control. Right? I am talking to myself here and I am feeling conviction!
I didn’t do so well with self-control yesterday. I was not in a good place to share my thoughts but I opened my big mouth anyway. Sigh. Really, when will I ever get this flaming tongue under control?
James 3:4-6 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Back to what I shared earlier from Romans — I really don’t want to allow anything out of my mouth that would hurt someone. I really don’t WANT to allow certain things out of my mouth, but then I do it AND BOOM — it is out there.
Ok, so I’m just sharing what is on my heart. My conviction about my lack of self-control in certain areas.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I have had to work on this for awhile too, Beth. I sometimes let my mouth speak before I think. I memorized Psalm 17:3 – I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
Love this today!
Thanks for being so honest and open. I love and appreciate your heart.
Oh, my…I'm convicted, for sure! I can definitely relate to what you are saying. Years ago, I used to have a great big button on my keychain, to remind me to keep my mouth buttoned! I think I need to buy another one.
Thanks for a great word, Beth…I needed to hear it! And, you know what? It kinda goes along with Angie's blog post, too…how neat is that? God is trying to get a message across, for sure.
Love you,
Beth
I love it that when we turn our lack of self-control over to Jesus, and trust and believe Him to do a work in us, He does. He empowers us and changes us one glory at a time. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
I'm sorry, Friend, that you had such a bad day yesterday. I thank God today is a new day and His mercies are new each and every day.
I thank you for protecting me a couple of weeks ago when I would have been totally out of control and said some potentially hurtful things to someone who I can't change. You prompted me to use my self-control and saved me and my darling husband a lot of heartache!
Love, Connie
Well I think I got two words out early this morning ,,,than SHUT MY MOUTH…I think I rolled my eyes back in my head a few times,,than brought them back to focus.
And it's NOT even 7 a.m. yet!!
I kept repeating to myself,,'it's done, it's done, I'm living like that way anymore'…
As you mentioned about the 'old Beth' coming back, I sensed in my spirit the Lord saying,,"Beth, I'm bringing you back to this place to DIG out the ROOT now,,the weeds were pulled before, now I'm getting to the root. Do not despair. This is for your good.'
There is a song on my play list that goes,,
I don't want to see the man I was come rising up in me again'…
In the eyes of Your mercy I find grace!!I don't have to fear the man I was come rising up in me again, …I think I changed it around a bit,,lol…Casting Crowns, East to the West.
I am working on that self control…still need so much help from HIM. Nough said.
I have to remember that I cannot do it on my own. I need HIM!
One of the most peaceful times of my life was when I was walking so close in the Holy Spirit, he controled my tongue. It was amazing how little I spoke! More amazing, I had great insight into other people's moods…almost like ESP or something! Wish I could get that close again….
There have been many times I've felt I needed to invest in an industrial size roll of duct tape to put across my mouth. I'm learning, Beth, little by little, to relinquish control over my mouth to GOD. Thank you for this powerful lesson this morning!
Hi Beth
Thanks for "Being Real" that's exactly what God wants from us, far to long we as Christians have worn "Mask" and it only it only fools people for God knows us through & through.I love your honesty and we all go there from time to time.
Love ya
OUCH! This is totally stepping on my toes……well needed too.
I have a very hard time holding my tongue…..I so appreciate your honesty here.
wow – I think many women (including me!) have this issue. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely something that I need to work on. My tongue can be my biggest problem sometimes!
I second what Daveda said! Turn your lack of self control over to Jesus and let Him transform you!