1 Minute Daily Devotions
September 4, 2007
Self-Control
"But [a] fruit of the spirit is...self-control." - Galatians 5:23
Do you ever say, "It was just too tempting," or "I wish I hadn't lost my cool?"
A key to successful living is self-control--controlling our emotions, desires, passions, or our tongue. Self-control is about self-discipline. The Bible compares it to sports. It says, "Run your race to win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things." Self-control is essential to success in living, as well as in sports.
Let me suggest a few ways to learn it:
1. Clarify your purpose--what are you trying to accomplish? Is it to lose a few pounds? Then your decisions will be shaped by that purpose.
2. Be honest with yourself about where you lack self-control. Alcoholics who find victory over booze know the first step is admitting their inability to control the problem.
3. Ask God for self-discipline.
4. Take action on that discipline, one day at a time. Self-control is a real key to successful living.
Comments on this Devotion
From Wolfgang on Sep 4th:
I like the verse of 1 Corinthians 9:24:
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
But I couldn't find your quote "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things". Can anybody tell me where to find it in the Bible?
From Peggie on Sep 4th:
I have this very same Daily Devotional from Sept 2006 pinned to my wall at work. I have referred to it often in the last year. With God's grace, love and answered prayer, I hope to put it to use in a greater way. Peggie
From Elizabeth Mundy on Sep 4th:
I absolutely LOVE these devotionals and I look forward to them everyday! You always show me where I need to be strengthend.. just little reminders that we ALL need daily.... thanks for all you do!
Elizabeth
From Hal on Sep 4th:
I think I found it. In NetBible.com 1Co 9:24 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win.
--
Here's King James copy. Vs 25 finishes the thought.
24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
From Scott on Sep 4th:
Wolfgang, 1 Corinthians 9:25 in NASB: "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things"
From michelle arant on Sep 4th:
i need to read this everyday as i am trying to shed these last few pounds! Jesus cares about our every need!!!