How to Gain Self-CONTROL

Many believers struggle with having control over their lives. Whatever it is—it becomes a hindrance to our walk in Christ Jesus. We can’t experience the true full life that God wants for us if we are continually saddled down with guilt, shame, and regret.

Yet there’s an answer in Christ Jesus—as believers we don’t have succumb to the desires of our flesh regardless of what it is. Learn how to gain self-CONTROL in your life:

C – Confess to God and others what we are struggling with at this time.
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

If we keep it a secret, we will never get free. Being honest with God, ourselves, and a trusted godly person is the first step towards getting free. We would be surprised the number of people who’ve struggled just like us and have been set free.

O – Open our mind to the possibility that we can overcome this weakness.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 9:36)

If we have something eating at us—we know that God wants us free. We need to put our faith in Him to see ourselves as free from the bondage. We can’t be fully used by God and at the same time, enslaved by our flesh. Our mindset needs to change to believe that we can be different in Christ.

N – Never ever ever trust our flesh to do the right thing.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Some of us have deceived ourselves in thinking—we got this. But we don’t if we continually succumb to the temptation. It’s got a hold of us for some reason and we need to stop trusting ourselves and thinking we can go into temptation unscathed.

T – Turn to the word of God for answers, direction, and strength to overcome.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)

The word of God helps us get to the root of the reason why we do what we do and changes our desires so that we please God more than we want to please ourselves. The word of God also reveals the outcome of continuing to lack self-control—destruction of something—our body, our dreams, etc. His word isn’t to condemn us, but rather help us overcome our weaknesses.

R – Remember the power of Christ within you.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We can draw on the power of Christ to help us when we feel weak. He hears our prayers and provides the power to turn away from it. It’s up to us to humbly admit our weaknesses and trust Him for the strength to deal with it.

O – Order your steps away from the temptation.
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14)

At some point in time, we need a plan on avoiding or resisting what has become our stronghold. God gives us the exit (1 Corinthians 10:13), but we have to take it. He doesn’t force us to do it—He provides the way and we respond out of an obedient heart that wants to please God.

L – Let God change you.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Some of us have tried everything to change ourselves and we come up short time and again. However, the change—the moment when we are set free—comes from the Lord changing us from the inside out.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I can’t stop doing what I’m doing without Your help. Strengthen my desire to please You more than I want to please myself. You are my hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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