Having self-control is not just about controlling your temper. It comes into play in almost every aspect of life. It is the key to many of our human struggles. Our appetites, attitudes, feelings, interactions, relationships, and anything you can think of. We must work to have self-control on a day-to-day bases. It is said to be the Fruit that keeps all the others together. If we are unable to control ourselves, then we may allow whatever is going on in our lives the power to control us.
Self control does not only focus on the “don’ts” of life, it also helps us to do good.
We have a choice in everything that we say, and do. God did not create us to be puppets. He gave us freedom of choice. Our free will. However, we need to be careful of the choices that we make. When we choose to lose control we have made the conscious choice to sin. We must always be inclined to do what is right no matter the circumstance or “rewards”. Our actions must always be out of temperament.
For example, a few years ago, I had a neighbor inform me that another person had said some nasty things about me, and my kids. I could have acted unruly and went crazy on her. I could have gotten angry, loud, and reacted in a negative way. However, I chose not to go that route. I chose to address the situation in a way that wouldn’t send me flying off the handle. I made the conscious decision to do what I felt would be pleasing to God, and give me peace in my heart. I wanted to handle the situation in a way that would set a good example of how to handle conflict in front of my kids. At the end, my reaction lead to a non-argumentative conversation. And in the end, everything was set straight.
But what if I did react like a angry fool?
I believe the outcome wouldn’t have been so pleasant.
We all need to be aware of our emotions, and practice self-control with ourselves and others.
3 Ways To Practice With Self Control For Yourself:
- Don’t put yourselves in situations where you always have to be in a fight against evil. If you know that you’re weak in an area with regards to resisting temptation, then as much as possible, stay away from those situations.
- When you look in the mirror, instead of pointing out your flaws, point out what you love about yourself.
- When life gets rough, we can choose to trust in the one who loves us more than his own life and believe what his word says
3 Ways To Practice With Self Control For As A Wife:
- When our spouse annoys us, we can choose to let it go, and remember how much we love them….
- Pick and choose your battles. Know when some discussions aren’t worth the battle, and best left alone.
- Understand that it;s ok to agree to disagree. No one has to be right.
3 Ways To Practice Self Control With Your Children
- We can chose to put our cell phones and tablets down, and do something proactive with our kids.
- Teach them that self control starts in their heart and their mouth. That they have the power to lift someone up or tear them down with what comes out of their mouths.
- When our kids drive us nuts, we can choose to show them love and mercy instead of screaming and yelling at them.
Self-Control is the key. God wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said that we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.
