One of the reasons that we can exhibit self control is because we believe that what GOD has for us is better than what is right in front of us. I always think I will be missing out if I don't indulge now. There won't be cookies left, I better eat 5. It's a really good sale, I better buy 5 (when 1 is plenty). I won't have time to do ______ if I take time to read my bible everyday. I don't like to show restraint...
BUT if I believe that God's way is best....if I can resolve that His life is the life abundant, then I'm not missing out on anything. I really liked that one guy in our group shared the verse 1 Corinthians 10:23. It says the believers freedom is that "'Everything is permissible'-- but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is constructive." There is freedom, but just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. Man this is hard to learn. Hard to live. But by FAITH we can do hard things. And by learning SELF-CONTROL, I show that I have FAITH. It is very circular--in a good way.
I like to share what I am learning--hoping that someone out there needs to hear these things too. :)
i always need to hear these things ;)
ReplyDeleteI love that photo! This is SO true. I definitely struggle with exercising self-control too. I was at Women of Faith last weekend and one of the speakers said, "God gave you a will that is stronger than your emotions." I need to exercise my will in the right direction a little more often :)
ReplyDelete