The Fruits of The Spirit: Self-Control
"Self Control"
This is the big hitter. Hits home, right to the heart. Self Control. I think each and everyone of us fight to have this. I remember this was like the overarching goal in my childhood. My parents always talked about, learn to have self control. We all face temptation. That is Satan's most powerful tool. He lures us in because it so appealing, bringing temporary satisfaction, just for us to take it in, and to realize the truth. How it isnt. Afterwards the guilt just sets in and builds as you feel horrible for what you've done.
I've fought it so many times, i see it in a different yet similar light. Just like Adam and Eve. Before eating the apple and falling into sin, it looks so good. It looks like the best thing one can ever get on the earth. You just have to have to have to have it. You reach in, and give up, ready to dig right into that apple. The second you bite into it, a wave of truth rushes through you, and your eyes are opened as you see this disgusting, horrifying, task you are doing against the Lord. Its the worst feeling ever. After realizing, you look back at the apple, and its the most horrid thing you've seen. Just like Adam and Eve.
Self Control is hard to achieve. It takes a lot of willpower. You have to be able to fight your inner self to overcome it. There are many steps to help you avoid this nasty temptation.
1. Conditions
When it happens, note the conditions and your environment. Are you alone? With friends? At night? On the computer? At the mall? Conveince store?
2. Avoidance
Once you have all these conditions noted of, try your very best to avoid them completely. If you are tempted while alone, make sure you're never alone. OR, distract yourself. When you're feeling temptation creep around you, do something else. Go for a job, skype someone, make some soup.
3. Accountability
If its still not working, tell someone. Someone older, someone you trust, a mentor, a pastor, an adult. May they help you keep accountable. Making sure you do not fall into Satan's traps. For instance, call someone up when you're feeling tempted. Have someone in the room.
4. Reward
As a... person, we need encouragement. Whenever you achieve a goal, reward yourself accordingly! With something you like, for instance, if i do whatever, then i'll buy the whatever i'd like. Myself, personally, i try to do that, but im always like, "its okay i'll save up for next time". But i feel that you do need. Its a reminder that things are possible with Christ!
We all face temptation. From something small like stealing from the cookie jar, to something big, tempted to take revenge. We must understand that TEMPTATION is not a sin. We can be tempted, thats fine. As long as we do not ACT upon this, we are safe. The moment we ACT upon this temptation and give in, its sin.
The result of giving into temptation is disobedience. We are not following God. Why do we decide to be self-controlled? Because Christ died for us, we love him and follow him for that. We want to give back for his action and sacrifice, therefore we follow him. Also, he's God! He knows whats best for us.
For instance, we are tempted to have sex before marriage, but if we follow, God protects us from getting sexual diseases, or being blamed for adultery etc... If you think about there, there are consequences he is protecting us, short and long term. So think about it before you act.
I also heard a sermon talking about the best question.
What is the Wise Thing to Do. This can be a whole other post, but it basically talks about a few things.
1. Based on the past experiences, wise? or unwise?
2. How does it effect my present day? wise or unwise?
3. How will it effect my future? wise or unwise?
So what is the wise thing to do. Really. Take some time and thing about this.
13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
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