iControl

By Pam Moss

Self-control is restraint practiced over one's emotions, impulses or desires. It means to be in control of one's attitudes or thought processes, desires or passions, and habits so they do not dictate one's behaviour.

A person without self-control is like a house
with its doors and windows knocked out.
Proverbs 25:28 (MSG)

Areas in Life Where We Lack Self-Control

1. Our Words

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:13 (NIV)

Keep your mouth shut and you'll stay out of trouble! Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

If I don't know how to tame my tongue, my religion is worthless.
James 1:26 (NLT)

2. Our Reactions

If you're sensible, you'll control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it's a great virtue to ignore it. Proverbs 19:11 (GN)

Keep your head in all situations. 2 Timonthy 4:5 (NIV)

3. Our Schedule

Live life with a due sense of responsibility. Make the best use of your time. Ephesians 5:15-16 (Phillips)

4. Our Money Manangement

The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. Proverbs 21:20 (NLT)

5. Our Health

Each of you should learn to control his own body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (NLT)

If you have a big appetite, restrain yourself. Proverbs 23:2 (NLT)

A Plan for Developing Self-Control

1. Admit my lack of discipline

I don't understand what I do: for I don't do what I would like to, but instead I do what I hate! For even though the desire to do good is in me, I'm not able to do it. Romans 7:15, 18 (GN)

2. Believe that God will help me

For it's God who works in you to will and do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

3. Claim a promise from the Bible

So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline (self-control). 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

4. Decide in advance

A wise man thinks ahead, a fool doesn't. Proverbs 13:16 (NIV)

5. Tell a friend

Two are better than one because if one falls down, the other can help him up. Two can resist an attack that would defeat one man alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 (GN)

6. Focus on the reward

Self-control is delayed gratification.
It's postponing the pleasure in order
to fulfill a greater purpose.