God can help us better use self-control in our lives
"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self- control."
- Proverbs 25:18 (NIV)
Are you overindulgent or impulsive? Do you think before you speak? Or do you just blurt out what's on your mind? Do you need to have the last word?
Do you resist the impulse to buy something you don't really need? Or does that desire to add one more thing to your cart tug at your heartstrings before leaving the store, only to leave you broke and disgusted that you could not resist.
If any of this applies to you, you're not alone. All of us face temptations and are overindulgent in some area of our lives.
We can also go the other way. We can work too much or over exercise. Yes, even too much of a good thing is an overindulgence. We must all work, sleep, spend and exercise. But when we overdo it, we head down a path of destruction that depletes our energy and diminishes our productivity, relationships and true enjoyment.
The good news is the Lord Jesus Christ can help us break free of impulsive behaviors through the use of self-control.
Self-control is a spiritual attribute deposited deep within the believer. It is not mere wishing or will power. It is actually God's power within us to give us the strength we need to exercise self-control over our lives.
We think we lack self-control, but what we actually lack is the ability to use it. We cannot do it without God's help. We need to pray for help using self-control.
Looking at what our self can control or change is no more than changing our own thoughts, attitudes and behaviors - not those of someone else. Self-control helps us make choices about time, money and relationships based on practical principles.
However, there are times where behavior disorders, clinical depression or other mental or emotional health issues or chemical imbalances make it harder to control self. But even in these circumstances, we can pray and remind ourselves of God's help to practice self-control.
Practicing the use of a controlled life helps us feel powerful, not powerless, as we yield to God's help and not merely our own. It helps us improve our lives as we overcome obstacles and develop our greatest potential to succeed and live a life of joy.
• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, Life Coach and Nurse. She is available to speak to your church group, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.