Well, it has been a while since I last blogged, but I feel that I have some important things to think through. Recently, I have recognized a few habits that I have developed. The things that I am doing aren't so bad, but I can't seem to stop. Sure, if someone asked, I might say "I can quit at anytime, I just don't want to." After many years of that excuse, I've decided that I need to. Like I said, drinking diet coke or any of my other habits may not be bad in themselves, but can I control myself enough to not do them?
The past few weeks, I have tried to stop buying food or drinks. (This would actually be possible since I live with my parents, and they will buy my food for me.) I decided to do this mainly because I have been spending a lot of money that way, and it's not completely healthy for me. Can you guess what? It was hard to stop! I have become so used to simply satisfying those desires that it was very difficult not to give into my craving! My excuses did not stop coming. "It's only a dollar!" "I can get a free drink if I keep buying them!""But it's friday!" "I'm tired! I need caffeine!" I'm not kidding- I used all of those and more. It wasn't then until I started to realize that this isn't just a spending money issue or a potential health issue. This is a character and maturity issue.
If I cannot resist a simple diet coke, then how will I resist the temptations of truly harmful things? How will I resist sin or bad decisions if I allow myself to make excuses like this? The answer is simple- I won't. Now that right there is an issue. The inability to keep myself from buying a simple diet coke shows me that I am lacking in self-control.
After I pin-pointed the issue, I discovered that it was true! I am lacking self-control in more areas than just buying snacks. I will not list all of them but I could list at least 6 areas of my life in which I am unable to exercise self-control. I feel that this issue is partly based on laziness and the longing I have to be comfortable. This needs to change.
Today I am making a list of ways that I can and need to be self-controlled. In a sense, ways that I can be "a living sacrifice" -sacrificing my laziness and comfort in order to grow closer to Christ and his will for me. I will need to make a conscious effort in order to make these changes, and even trying to change them will be a constant reminder of who I'm living for and striving to be more like. (Jesus...if you didn't catch that!)
I could use your prayers as I embark on a journey of living a different life- a life of self-control!
Lord, give me determination and strength to overcome my issue of self-control.
Teach me the importance of self-control, and grow me to become more like you.
