In the last few years, I have come to realize the importance of self-control. For myself and when I am training my kids. When you stop and think about it, so many sins and frustrations in life start with a lack of self-control.
I’ll be in the kitchen or around the house, I start hearing voices getting raised, then some yells “Don’t throw that at me” and it continues to escalate (wait, some of this happened last night…). When it gets to this level, I have to go intervene.
What is the problem? In short, lack of self-control. One of the kids probably made a comment that was unkind and the other got angry and off it goes.
Self-control is struggle for all of us, not just our kids. I don’t think I know anyone that can manage perfect self-control all the time.
A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11
When I start to yell at the kids, it starts with lack of self-control.
If the kids make unkind statements to each other or me, it starts with lack of self-control.
If someone steals, it starts with lack of self-control.
If you punch someone because they made you angry, it starts with lack of self-control.
If you overeat, it starts with lack of self-control.
If you are successful on your diet and lose weight, it’s also self-control.
If you don’t speak out of turn or you don’t say mean and angry words, it’s also self-control.
If you step back and pause during your day when things start to spiral, you start to see lack of self-control in yourself or others is where the problem started.
If you see success in your day, self-control is also likely a big part of your success.
Thankfully, one of the fruit of the spirit is self-control. God wants us to have self-control. But he doesn’t leave on our own to figure it out.
The waves on the ocean can be rough and dangerous, or they can be slow and calm. It’s up to us to control our emotions. If you feel you are starting to lose your self-control today, stop. Pray and ask God to give you the self-control you need in all circumstances.
