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.