As I mature in Christ, I can reflect in see in times where my reaction made the situation worser than what it was. I am learning that your reaction to situations can make or break the situation. When I was first told this, I said “what? How is it my fault.” I was very defensive because I know in my mind I did nothing wrong.
Although I may not have done anything physically wrong, I did. The way I reacted was so wrong. Have you ever reflected back and thought ” maybe I could have reacted differently?” I do all the time. I am always self-checking myself, ensuring I did not say something wrong. I replay conversation sometimes in my head to make sure I did not over share or say anything that could have been perceived differently than how I intended.
But as I began to mature in my walk. I find myself taking a deep breath before reacting. I find myself seeking God before I say something wrong and seeing Him through whatever situation I may be facing.
A year ago, my vehicle started giving me issues, honestly it started giving me issues when I first brought it. I went through something those first two years of owning that vehicle and it drained me mental and physically. I started to regret my purchase. I did not want to go through vehicle issues; I just wanted a new vehicle already.
I had to learn that I could not just let life shut me down. Me a person that use to be so easily bothered. It did not take much to get me bent out of shape. Maturing in Christ Jesus is learning self-control and how to regulate emotions. Learning that it is okay to feel how you feel but do not let it overtake you. That’s what the enemy wants.
Lucifers waits for use to act impulsively. To respond impulsively with anger and frustration. You want to know something else…..?
Sometimes lucifers plants these impulsive thoughts or reactions to things. Because not only is he after our soul but our minds. If he can get into our minds through tv, social media, technology. Then he feels he can control you.
It is crucial to practice emotional intelligence. Recognize the emotion you feel and give it to Jesus, It’s that simple. Learn to control flesh. This is a task you cannot do by yourself; you must ask Jesus to help you. Be willing to confront flesh and give it to Jesus. Confront evilness and give it to Jesus.
For example, you are feeling depressed. You know depression is trying to chain you into your bad, circulating thoughts of negativity. Confront the depression and give it to Jesus. Say to it “I rebuke depression in the name of Jesus”. You have to speak to your emotions in that way or else you will be an emotional ticking time bomb. Allowing temporary things to control you.
Self-Control is a part of the nine fruits. The only way to have self-control is by drawing closer to Christ. Deny flesh daily and draw closer to Christ.
Apostle Paul speaks much on Self Control. In 1 Corinthians 9: 27 KJV, Paul is speaking about self-control, putting his body under subjection. Do you think it was hard for Paul not to want to hurt or do away with someone? He was Saul before remembering. What kept him from going back is he draw near to God. Apostle Paul speaks about the challenges of flesh and spirit. The constant fight there. When we wake up and go through a 24-hour day we are fighting flesh.
We may be young adults some older adults, but we cannot go out in life and do what we want. We cannot just eat a whole bag of candy and then ask Jesus to heal us of cavities in our teeth, when we were the ones who did it. Because we lacked self-control. As much as I enjoy my sweet snacks and coffee, I have to take in these things in moderation.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let’s keep the nineth Fruit of the Spirit, Self Control.
Blessings,
~Author J.M.
Biblical Reference:
1 Peter 4:7 KJV
1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
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