2021 - Self Control
If you don’t already know I have picked a focus word at the start of every new year to focus on during that year. I have done this since I was in college and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. My focus for 2021 was the word “self-control”.
I felt I needed extra focus in this areas so I could find more time in the day all while stilling accomplishing many different things. I used a few books (the Bible is ALWAYS one of my tools) to help guide my personal study and of course life helped with the hands on component. I am not a self-control master, but isn’t this an on going journey or growth anyway?
Here are a few things I have learned.
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a man who lacks self control.” Proverbs 25:28
Self Control offers PROTECTION.
Protection from what? Well, everything. A fortified city is hard to invade. If the city has a small opening or break in it’s protection the entire city is vulnerable. The same goes for us. What is that protective wall? Self-control.
Having self-control protects us from
Loss of relationships & Hurtful words - think about how powerful our words are. If we could focus on practicing true self control how many relationships would become stronger? How many friendships could have been saved? Our words have the power to foster bitterness or peace. Being able to control our speech is a huge part of becoming a peacemaker. (James 3:3-6, James 3:18, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 12:18)
Unforgiving - being able to forgive others is a true test of our self-control. It is also the doorway to fostering true peace. James 3:8 says no one can truly tame the tongue. So how do we try? One way is through the practice of forgiving.
Debt/Poor money management - having the ability to use money the way we NEED it before the way we WANT it takes a great deal of self-control. However, when we are able to apply self-control to our wallets great things happen. We become more purposeful with our funds, we focus on the One who provides, we praise Him with giving back and management of money. Believe it or not money can be very powerful and can even change how we view others/the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Poor health - if you know me you know this has been my challenge and still is when it comes to self-control. Our bodies were made to heal, thrive, and protect. When we feed it well it does what it needs to do and it does it WELL! When we don’t, well, things start to shut down and we become sick. I could talk about this all day but we will leave it at that for now. Protect your body with what we eat, drink, inhale, and apply. (Proverbs 28:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ecclesiastes 6:7)
Self-Control offers control
Sounds a little redundant but it is true. The more we practice self-control the more we are able to control ourselves. We are able to control our emotions better, keep out thoughts positive, think through our behaviors (reacting vs responding), control our habits instead of them controlling us (don’t we all jut want 5 more minutes of screen time..), and control our actions towards others.
Self-Control can change mindset
Through the practice of self-control we are able to think about life in a new way. We start to see a change in ourselves and quality of life. The ability to pause and reflect. Thinking about how to turn negatives into positives. Start to view challenges in new ways. View out time better and use our time better. There is almost a sense of freedom when things things start to change.
Self-Control is timeless
The Bible tells us to “train up a child” so they “do not depart”. The practice of self-control isn’t a fading fad, it is lasting. The skill of self-control can span each generation and provide benefits for each generation. It is something to be practiced, fostered, and demonstrated.
Self-control is not easy. Actually, it is quite challenging. It requires prayer, leaning and learning more wisdom from His word, and patience. It requires constant communication with God as well us humility from us. However, it does get easier. As you grow in your own self-control you start to see and understand the benefits which makes you want to practice self-control even more.
“He who controls others may be powerful, but he who can control himself is even stronger”
Let’s start working on this together. Let’s encourage one another to say no when we need to. Let’s help face the challenges and grow into a better self. Let’s make the practice of self-control normal!
2021, thanks for the lessons.
Steph