Self-Control

I am reading the book below called "Fruitful Wife" by Hayley DiMarco. It's hilarious. It's true. It's inspiring. But most importantly, it's eye-opening. Each fruit-of-the-spirit is a different chapter, which is convenient for those days when you struggle with one more than the others. Recently, I have been looking at self-control!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" -Galatians 5:22-23

Hayley makes some great points. For example, the opposite of self-control is self-indulgence. Self-indulgence is the act of choosing to please one's self over pleasing God. It's so much easier to say "No!" to a doughnut, when you think how dis-pleasing it is to God. Of course, doughnuts aren't the devil, it's the when, where, why, and how of choosing a doughnut that's our enemy. When I prepare myself for battle against my enemy, I succeed the most. Yes, start your day with meal planning or with exercise, but also prepare yourself for the mental battles you'll face during the day!

Here's your dagger for those moments your enemy whispers "It's just ONE. It won't hurt".

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8

When you choose to please God, it's far more gratifying that the short, sweet taste of the doughnut. Make the vow to say "No!" to office surprises. I am rewarding myself with ONE Kolache this weekend. Remember it's the when, where, why, and how that's your enemy. I am setting aside my weight watchers points to eat something tasty, and I can do so without any remorse/guilt. #delayedgratification