Self control

Self control, that phrase we hate but all want!!  It's the gift of the Spirit that seems out of reach for many of us, myself included.  And 2 days ago God had a little talk with me about this self-control thing and the necessity of it for accomplishing His purpose in my life.

I was reading "Enjoying the Closeness of God" by Roger C. Palms and he brought up an interesting way of looking at self-control.  He stated that we can see self- control as an adventure and something that when done, is able to create a sense of accomplishment in us.  And really, isn't it the truth.  I thought about days when I eat all the right things and how good I felt at the end of that day.  Or when I held my tongue instead of blasting someone for annoying me.  It feels (after the initial anger subsides) so much better not to have that guilt and embarrassment of having to apologize for spouting off over nonsense.  And it feels great knowing that I listened and obeyed God!  I do get that sense of accomplishment.

I can only fully become what God intends me to be when I live completely with Him and for Him.  Self-indulgence gets in the way of this.  And that is where self-control comes in.

When Jesus was led into the wilderness, He could of at any time supplied His own need, given up and walked out or walked away, but He didn't and He emerged fully being what He was meant to be.  By exhibiting self-control, He became ready to fulfill His purpose and accomplish the will of the Father.  He was ready for ministry! Through the testing and the tempting, He was shown to be the overcomer we needed, the one to fulfill the unique purpose God ordained for Him.

Likewise, when I walk in the gift of self-control (following the leading of the Spirit), I become the person my Father designed me to be, ready and able to fulfill the unique purpose He has for me as well.

Areas I need to exhibit this self-control in?  MOUTH:  I need to watch what I say
ATTITUDE:  Pride, impatience, self righteousness, unkindness....EATING:  Am I taking proper care of God's temple so it is usable for Him?

From the author, "If we are going to be any kind of light to a rebellious, disobedient and undisciplined world, it will be only as we discipline ourselves under God's command and allow Him to demonstrate to the world that true experience of happiness that comes from obedience"

So the questions comes; Does my life cause others to believe?  Does my lack of self-control cause others to disdain Jesus?

Lord, help me to walk in self-control.  Let me not fulfill the desires of the flesh, but live for and by the Spirit.  Let my life look like You.  In John 5:19, Jesus stated:  "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son does also in like manner". Lord, let the same be said of me.  I can do nothing of myself, but let me imitate You through Your power of self-control.  Thank You.