Self Control for the Uncontrolled

      As Christians, we are called to have self-control, over our body, mind and emotions. It is my opinion that self-control is the foundation for being a successful follower. If you can rein in your sinful thoughts and actions, you can be more like Christ. My personal struggle is controlling my emotions, so they don’t control me. I will refuse to use the excuse that “I’m a woman and that’s my nature, so I can’t change.”  In order for me to grow into the virtuous woman I want to be, I need to lead my heart, not my heart lead me. So this study is a step-by-step process on how to be in control!!

Proverbs 16:32 “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” ESV

It sounds as if having control over your emotions is a more difficult task than being mighty or taking a city, it is worth more praise than an accomplished warrior!

Gal 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” NKJV

When you are practicing walking in the Spirit (verse 25), one of the characteristics you will exhibit will be self-control among many others. 

Proverbs 25:28 “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” ESV

Enough said. 

James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,” ESV 

Quick to hear.    Slow to speak.   Slow to anger.  This verse is key. When your emotions are spilling everywhere and your thoughts are tumbling around:  stop, take a breath, even step back if necessary. If you are in an argument, listen to the other side and don’t let it offend you. TELL yourself that it will not offend you. Force your thoughts into a funnel, think about what is about to leave your mouth.

Ephesians 4:28-29 “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Here, Paul is teaching to change your behavior, bring those sinful lusts and words under control and replace them with things that are beneficial to you and others! For example, when somebody flips your trigger and you’d like to implode, Tell that anger NO. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything! Excuse yourself politely or apologize. Don’t bring down the kingdom because you allow your emotions to stampede around.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

A lot of self-control is telling yourself no and turning your thoughts to your goal: serving God. If you have a clear goal in mind of the Christian you want to be, telling yourself no will actually have a reward! 

Matt 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

People will notice the change in you and just how different you are from others! Your light is a shinin!!

Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Self-control is not as complicated as I thought once I studied it out further. Have a goal in mind, slow your thoughts and tell yourself no. Some other useful techniques might be taking deep breaths or anything that might work for you!

Now that I have the tools, my emotions under my control!