The Struggle with Self-Control

Part I

Who doesn’t like a bag of chips, a soda or drink of choice, and a movie? The kids are in bed, so we grab those chips, get in front of the TV and precede enjoying our evening only to find ourselves at the bottom of the bag after the 4th episode of the 1st season! It’s then that we realize we haven’t started the laundry, thought about dinner for tomorrow, nor prepared lunch boxes tomorrow!  Self-Control- what a struggle! Can I get an Amen? Your struggle may not be chips but possibly screen time, crafts, laziness, anger, chocolate, or so much more- you name yours.

I Googled the definition of Self-Control and found it as “the ability to manage one's thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals, resist temptation, and make better decisions.” The Bible tells us that self-control (temperance) is a virtue, a fruit of the Spirit. Proverbs 25:28 says that “a person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” These thoughts took me to the question of how to go about improving our self-control. What can we do to improve our willpower to achieve our goals? We all know that self-control is a complex skill that is not achieved in a day. We watch children with their short attention spans struggle so much in this area as they learn this virtue. No doubt, our self-control and willpower develop over time and are a very important skill to have in every area of our life, but what can we do to improve in this area?

Before we dive into this issue, let me just say that some people with medical diagnoses or who need to be evaluated for a diagnosis such as ADD/ ADHD may have problems with self-control and staying focused and need treatment such as medication. For those who do not have a diagnosis or medical condition, it is more of an issue with discipline, willpower, determination or just a skill that needs to be strengthened. Even those with ADD/ADHD can work on and develop skills to improve self-control. Working on these skills is more beneficial than most of us realize. Research has shown that people who have better self-control tend to be healthier and happier. If self-control helps us to be happier, how do we go about improving it? I’m glad you want to know. 😊

I will address this issue both from a practical as well as Biblical standpoint. I’ll leave the medical treatment to the pros. Let’s see what God has to say first, as much of that will also apply to practical application.

God so graciously gives us great examples of Samson, Esau, and others that struggled with self-control in the Bible. Sadly, the lack of self-control brought much pain and distress to these men as well as those around them. What we can see through these examples is that although there were consequences, God is still able to work through and in these men, as well as us, who struggle in this area. We can all find comfort in 1 Timothy 1:7 which states that God has given each of us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. So, we just need to release the Spirit in us to work. When we trust Christ and follow His commands, our Holy Spirit can direct our life more and more. This will result in more self-control. What an awesome privilege to be given the gift of our Holy Spirit from God to guide us in self-control.

I hope you will return next week. I will be continuing along this thought with a blog addressing temptation, those things that really challenge our self-control. To finish up this week, below are some verses regarding self-control and the Holy Spirit.

Verses to meditate on: Romans 8:26; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Timothy 1:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Think on this: What decision can I make this week that will demonstrate self-control instead of the works of the flesh? Is there something that I need to seek God's forgiveness for and make a commitment to do better with the help of Holy Spirit?

Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for opening my eyes to realize I have your Holy Spirit in me to improve self-control in the area of ___________ (name your struggle). I know that You give me a spirit of power, love and self-control and I am asking You to strengthen me in this area. Thank you that I have confidence that you will give me the strength to grow my self-control as I seek Your will and guidance. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.

`Go Sew Seeds and Live Sent