My Self-Control

My Self Control

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“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control,” Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭28‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

In light of the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, I have been rather impressed with the self-control believers in Jesus have had. And it’s making a difference; like a “what’s the hope inside of you?" difference.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” I Peter 3:15, NIV.

I always thought it would be love that would make the greatest difference. “They will know us by our love.”

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” John 13:35, NIV.

Or “love covers a multitude of sin.”

”Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8, NIV.

That’s true; however self-control seems to be the hero these last few weeks.

People are making a huge impact by using their restraint to keep calm and avoid shouting or ruining someone else’s life.

Maybe I’m noticing it because I haven’t been known for my self-control or my impulse control.

I was raised with an open table for our Thanksgiving meal—all were welcomed. Christmas, on the other hand, was strictly family. I remember one Christmas as presents were being unwrapped, someone showed up at our front door. I was put out. I was thinking, "You are interrupting Christmas! Presents! And we’re still in our PJs." I didn’t care that these two were former students of my father’s and wanted to share their good news with him—they were engaged.

I wanted to finish opening gifts. So, I slowly took the tape off my package as my parents visited with the intruders, even though it wasn’t my turn to open.

I guess I could justify my behavior being that I was seven years old and engagements didn’t mean much, if at all anything to me back then.

But can I justify running the red light at nineteen, because I did have the self-control to wait?

Or at 36 when I was on bedrest pregnant with our second son, eating my way through bags of Snyder’s mustard pretzels? Having no self-control added many extra “baby pounds” to the scale.

When I witness firsthand how self-control not only makes a difference in our society but also impacts our Christian testimony for the positive, I desire this character trait of God's more than ever before. I want to have more self-control, not less. I want to be known for my deep breaths rather than a shopping cart filled with impulse products.

How is your control this week? Are you able to control yourself even though you feel like shouting? Well done.

(Comment below, if you would like to share.)

Father,

The fruit of the Spirit is one fruit, though it is broken down into nine bites. Some of those are more easily digested than others, but they are all important to You.

Help us take duplicating Your character more seriously. Help us receive all of Your:

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and yes, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

You, again, are so right; being like You makes a difference.

We love You, and we need You.

Amen.