Marriage from A to Z

“How is your self-control?”

Do you say everything that you are feeling? If you want “it” do you just get it? One secret to a successful marriage or even being single is to practice self-control. Not having self-control can ruin your marriage, life, career, family, and everything. Some people are quick to admit that they don’t have self-control however, not having it can cause some major issues. This week, I want to encourage you to evaluate your self-control.

Self-control is the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. How is your self-control? It is so important that we learn to regulate our emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

In Titus Chapter 2:2-4, Paul instructs older men and older women to teach the younger generation self-control. This passage is titled; “Right living in the church.” In order to live right, we have got to practice self-control. In my experience, here are a few areas where self-control is most valuable.

1. Control your mouth/tongue – The late great Bishop Lewis Tait, Sr. often said, “Think everything you say but don’t say everything you think. (Proverbs 13:3)
2. Control your habits/behavior – Some habits can get out of hand and have negative consequences. We must exercise self-control to be a better example. (I Timothy 4:12).
3. Control your passions – Just because you have a passion for something or someone does not mean that you should have it. (Galatians 5:22)
4. Control your thoughts – I often have to stop my thoughts from going too far on the negative end. I have to tell myself, whatsoever things that are true, lovely, or praiseworthy, think on these things. What about you? (Philippians 4:8)
5. Control your body – Don’t let your body/flesh have its way all of the time especially when it wants something that is contrary to the Spirit of God. As Christians, you are not your own. (I Corinthians 6:19)
6. Control your appetite – Your desire for food needs to be controlled, don’t let the “god” of your belly win. This is a tough one for me because I love to eat.(Philippians 3:19)
7. Control your will – Jesus said, not my will but thy will be done. We should say the same. (Luke 22:42)

It’s okay to talk to yourself and tell yourself to get under control. With God’s help we can say no to our flesh and yes to the Spirit of God. Let’s practice self-control!

Until next time . . .

Carolyn