The Secret to Self-Control

I think it took a while for me to actually understand what “self-control” meant. I guess I knew that it was a good thing to have, but I don’t think I actually got what it truly is. See, growing up I equated self-control to trying really hard, gritting my teeth, and not doing what I really wanted to do because I knew it was wrong or something I shouldn't be doing. However, this never really seemed to work well. Therefore, youth leaders would talk to us about the importance of self-control, but I don’t think we ever really thought of it as more than a nice idea or a virtue that we should esteem.

Once the Lord got a hold of my life during my teenage years, and I was being discipled in Gospel Truth, I began to wonder about this self-control thing. I knew that it is impossible for us to try to live as God calls us to in our own strength and that we must have the impartation of His Spirit to live the lives that He desires. But how did that fit in with self-control? How does me trying to control my fleshly desires correspond with letting Jesus live His life in and through me? I remember just simply pondering this one day then asking my friend what he thought it meant. He said it very simply, but it has always stuck with me.

“Self-control is self being controlled by the Spirit.”

This past week I've been doing a Bible study on the Fruit of the Spirit. As I studied about this term self-control, my friend's definition was proven to be accurate. The Greek word for self-control comes from two root words meaning “in” and the Greek word kratos, meaning power or dominion. The word kratos is used 12 times in the New Testament, and 11 of these times it is used only in terms of Jesus. There are also several words used for power in the New Testament, but this word for power is power that is actually acted out or power that is in use.

Therefore, self-control has a root definition of “being in a power that is acting and put to use.” This means that if we are in Christ, we are in this power. Self-control is simply letting Jesus have our lives to do with as He sees fit and then exercising His authority and almighty power over sin.

So,practically, this would mean that when that temptation arises, instead of trying to combat it with our own willpower or determination, we can reckon upon the fact that we are IN Christ and that we have His power and authority to act on our behalf. So, we can say “no” to the temptation with God’s authority and out of His power.

And this is the secret to the flesh and selfish desires being controlled in our lives. Sure, we’ll give in to selfish desires but only when we choose to not reckon His power and authority over that area or temptation. Jesus Himself will never fail.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Meaning, it is a product of the Spirit’s work in our lives. The Holy Spirit will produce it in us if we yield to Him.

Oh what a Jesus! 

Little ones, you have my heart.

Dear little ones, you have my heart.

Some of you I've known for over two years now. We've gotten pretty close.

Some of you I haven't known for that long. But that doesn't change how much I love you. 

I've learned a lot over the past few years and have definitely made my fair share of mistakes. But there are two things I want you to know.

1. You are precious. And I'd do anything for you.

2. You've changed my life forever. 

Choosing to Trust

Sometimes, life is just hard. Sometimes, it just hurts. Sometimes, it’s just difficult. And sometimes, it’s just painful.

And though all these things are true, Jesus has been teaching me a lot of these times of pain and trial. First, where is my focus during these times? Are my eyes fixed on Jesus or upon my circumstances? Because it’s really easy to look at my circumstances and feel overwhelmed or discouraged. But what if I choose to look at the God of my circumstances and realize that they come because they are part of His sovereign, divine, perfect will for my life? They come because He wants to refine me, purify me, and make me more like Himself? And trials and pain is the avenue to do such things.

You see, it’s not about me. It’s not about how I feel. Or what I want my circumstances to look like. Or what my ideal situation would be. It’s about Jesus. And Him receiving the glory that He so deserves. Today in church my pastor mentioned that a man in the church recently pointed out that he believes he may have gotten cancer so that he could witness to his doctor. And my pastor asked if we would be willing to do whatever it takes if it was part of God’s will and would bring Him glory.

Jesus provides the strength that I need for that day. It can feel like I’m walking through knee-high sand at times or trying to walk in the ocean against the waves that are coming against me. However, the important thing is to keep going. Jesus’ grace is sufficient. It may seem impossible, but if God has called us to something, it means that He has the ability and the power to enable us to live according to what He has called us to. So even though it’s hard, it’s part of His calling, so Jesus is going to give us everything we need to go through it, not just in survival mode but to thrive joyfully in a way that leaves the rest of the world amazed.

Finally, I just need to trust. I've known this truth for a while. However, lately I've been learning that I have to choose to trust Him. It’s not enough to just acknowledge that I’m going to trust Jesus. I have to actually choose to trust Him. So, when life feels overwhelming and the bait is placed in front of me to get stressed or worried, I must choose to trust my God. When life gets hard and all I want to do is just quit, I have to choose trust Him. There aren't any exceptions. I trust Him in every situation, no matter what it may be.

Because He’s faithful, and He’s going to work everything out for His glory and my good. And that’s something I can bank my life on.