Self-control

Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 6-8

It’s funny how even though we know what God’s word teaches; we still mess up every day. I am thankful that the Lord forgives me, because I need it daily. The fruit of the Spirit is the work of the Holy Spirit in us. God’s Spirit speaks to us through his word. The Bible is his love letter to us: Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. How can we expect to walk in the Spirit when we go about our day neglecting to commune with God? It is days like one I had recently that remind me of how weak I am on my own. I am human, I mess up, and I do things that I wish I could take back. God would not have me to live in regret, but to learn from my mistakes.
If I keep my focus on the cross, I am less likely to sweat the small stuff, the worldly stuff, the stuff that normally brings out the worst in me. Why? 1 Peter 5:6-8 states, “Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour.” If we would humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God, be sober, and vigilant; he promises to exalt us in due time. That due time could be when someone does something that threatens to yank our emotions into a bad place. That due time could be when Satan is on the prowl, seeking to destroy our witness but God shelters us from falling prey. That due time could be anything that would keep us from bringing honor and glory to God. I don’t know about you, but I want the Lord to exalt me in due time. I am weak and imperfect on my own. I say and do things that I am not proud of. On my own, I have no self-control. But I am an heir to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He alone will help me to have more self-control in all areas of my life.
Kellie