Self control is a fruit of the spirit. Without it we can never be recognized as one of God’s children. Nor can we ever be completely free. John 8:36 Yes. When we lose control we also lose freedom.

When this is the case, demonic strongholds gain control over us. These includes unrighteous anger, hate, prejudice, suspicions, lust, obesity, and the list goes on. In other words we give control of our prosperity and fullness of joy over to the enemy.

Losing control may even cause years of regret. Without self control we stand to become destructive to ourselves and others. That’s the one stand we can’t afford to take if we are to be instrumental in declaring the kingdom to the lost.

A person without self control can lack morals and not respect boundaries. They may tread on the margin of the law. Without considering the overall picture they lash out or speak out against whatever comes in their way. Angry passion, uncontrollable rage, hypocrisy, disorder, fear, and any number of other strongholds can prevent the person without self control from moving forward, from loving, and from being loved.

Every person has the potential to release control to the dark side. 1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Take control back, draw closer to God, and refuse to give it up again.

5 Biblical tips to keep and have self control:

1. Decide how you want your life to go. Self control chooses goodness, peace, forgiveness, and mercy instead of retaliation and wanton anger, or lust.

Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

2. Be careful who you choose as a close friend. As Christians our relationships are vital. We will become like the people we associate with.

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 18:24 Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.

3. Seek to cultivate the fruit of the spirit. The closer you draw to God, the more He will strengthen you to stand firm in spiritual deeds and resultant fruits.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.

4. Keep moving forward with restraint to receive the prize of life everlasting. As you do, others will be drawn to Christ through your example and the message you bring.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

5. Determine to gain power over darkness and strength over weakness through self control in every area of your life.

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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