Self-Control is a Daily Battle

”For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 14:17

We all struggle with self-control. Out of all the fruits of the spirit, this particular fruit tends to be the most difficult for us because of how many things can tempt us in this world. Because of this we have to be on guard each day trying to grow in what it means to display self-control. Whether we lack discipline or are hyper-focused on having control we have to recognize that self-control means not only trusting the Lord with your life, but being devoted to Him and actually living out your faith. Your Father loves you more than you can imagine, and He made you in His own image. It is God that gives you the strength to fight each day against your desires, and we know that through Christ we have victory over our sin. So keep on fighting, and remember that the Lord is with you every step of the way.

To help you more tangibly think about self-control in terms of your health and wellness, look over the below statements and questions and reflect on how you can take steps to battle your lack of self-control.

BELIEVE:

• There is no one shape or size that glorifies the Lord.

• Your value comes only from the Lord.

• God is perfect and does not make mistakes, even when he made you.

• Through Christ you are an overcomer.

• You are worthy, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ did for you.

DO:

• If seeing yourself in the mirror causes you to hyper-focus on imperfections, cover it up.

• If unhealthy food in your home causes you to not have any self-control, throw it out.

• When you think something negative about yourself, ALWAYS combat that with truths from God found in the Word.

• Pray before you eat. Ask God to calm your anxieties about eating, or to give you strength to fight and overcome your sin.

• Confess your issues with self-control to your CHM and ask them for help. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Questions to Ponder: 

1. Do you see yourself through the eyes of the world, or through the eyes of Jesus?

2. Does restricting, binging, or overexercising give you a sense of control over an aspect of your life?

3. What do you see when you look in the mirror: a daughter of the King or only flaws?

4. What is the root of your distorted relationship with food or exercising? Are these patterns healthy and sustaining?

5. Are my eating and exercise habits directed by lies I’m believing, or are they directed by the desire to glorify God?

6. Am I stewarding my body well?

Today’s Reading:

Romans 14