The Art of Self-Control
A good friend once told me that I am only responsible for my own actions. I thought to myself, “You are so right!”. We are only responsible for our OWN actions. Upon this realization, I felt relieved! However, being responsible for your own actions isn’t as easy as one might think…
Today, we’re going to talk about self-control. Now, this is something that I am learning more every day; and might I add, it has not been easy. But good news, as scary as those two words (“self-control”) may seem, the Lord gives us the power to control ourselves!
🗣️*praise break* 🗣️
I’d like to share with you a story that inspired this devotional. Let’s flip to Leviticus 10, starting at verse 1.
Leviticus 10:1-3 NKJV
1 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.
2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying:
‘By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’ ”
So Aaron held his peace.
Reading that, I was completely struck with awe and admiration for the strength Aaron showed! Keep in mind, his sons (though suffering the consequences of their actions) just DIED. Let’s take a closer look at what they did again…
Nadab and Abihu did something the Lord had NOT commanded them to do:
1 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. (Lev. 10:1)
But,you know Moses had to hit him with the truth!
3 And Moses said to Aaron,“This is what the Lord spoke, saying:
‘By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’ ”
So Aaron held his peace.
(Lev. 10:2-3)
Granted, Aaron was likely hurt, frustrated, sad, etc. as of the result of the actions of his sons. He, however, surrendered his emotions to the truth:
“So Aaron held his peace.”
(Lev. 10:3)
The Lord said what He said! Though instead of acting out of rebellion or anger, Aaron held his peace! 🤯Friends, what if we too surrendered our emotions to the truth of God’s word in moments of anger, frustration, temptation, fear, etc.? What if we were able to hold our peace like Aaron did? The wonderful thing is, WE CAN!🤩
Here are some things to remember about self-control:
The Lord GIVES US the power to have self-control!
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28)
”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.“ (Galatians 5:22-23) (emphasis added) NKJV
THERE IS A WAY OUT.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
commentary: Remember, all of us have the power to say “NO” to whatever temptation we may be facing.
The battle is BIGGER than YOU. Whatever you’re facing goes far beyond the natural. Scripture tells us of the spiritual battle(s) occurring behind each struggle we face.
12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Prayer is your superpower! No reason to face anything alone, friend!Take it to the Lord in prayer!
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Can we pray?
Father God, thank You so much for an opportunity to come before you. Lord, prayer is not something that I take for granted and I thank you for helping me in this. Thank You for your loving kindness, your mercy, and power through the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation. Like Aaron, Lord, help me to attain my peace by surrendering my emotions to the truth of your Word; knowing that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I pray that in times of desperation that I would seek that way out and allow your Word to lead my life. It’s in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen.
You are so loved! Go in peace!🕊️