(v. 6) Knowing God leads to self-control.
Self-control is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior and desires in the face of external demands in order to function in society. It is essential in behavior to achieve goals and avoid impulses and/or emotions that could prove to be negative. How do we posses this self-control? We must be conscious of it and do things in a way as to keep it in check often. Putting worry and fear aside and trusting God will give us the confidence to control our actions but we must also avoid making negative choices. To avoid those choices we must offer up our control to the will of God. Instead of acting on impulse we must slow down and ask God what He wants from us. We need to take our wisdom, which is given to us by the Holy Spirit, and make choices based on God's word and His commands. We must be intentional in what we do and put aside our feelings and urges in order to stop ourselves from making poor decisions. Most importantly rely on God to give you your self-control. Let Him lead you by asking Him and searching His word. Living with a new mind set that you want to please Him through your actions and self-control will help you to slow down and be conscious of your actions.
(v. 6 cont.) Self control leads to patient endurance,
Patient endurance is the ability to withstand hardship. It is the willingness to wait, to endure, to continue or last despite fatigue, stress or other adverse conditions. Patience alone is accepting delays and tolerating problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. God forgive me for the many times I become anxious while waiting on You! It sounds like a huge task to hand over our patience to God, and through our own strength, it can't be done! Notice that the meaning of patient endurance isn't an ability but a willingness. We can't do it alone and God can't successfully work through us if we are always getting in His way. So through our self-control, handing over our will and allowing God to work through us, we can start to see patient endurance. When we can hand over our desires and or align them with God's then we are more willing to sit and wait while He is fixing our situation or working on that person we love so much. We begin to let go of our anxiousness and our annoyances and we can stand to endure through the waiting. It is all made possible through God!
(v. 6 cont.) patient endurance leads to godliness.
The last thing we will discuss today is godliness. Possessing godliness means that one has conformed to the laws and wishes of God. It is more than godly character, but the foundation on which godly character is built. Godliness is the exercise or discipline that focuses upon God. When you make decisions or choose a behavior do you first think of God or focus on what He would approve of? Do you act in way that will please God? These are the questions we should be conscious of and asking ourselves daily, and sometimes momentarily, when we are in the middle of making decisions and carrying out daily tasks and conversation. Our actions should be centered on God. Doing so means that, again, we have to hand over our personal desires. It takes moral excellence to put God first in your thoughts and actions. Not everyone will be tolerant of your decisions when based on God. It takes knowing God personally to understand what He desires from you so you are able to base your actions on Him. Self-control is needed when you lay down your will for God's. It takes all of these characteristics to gain a personal attitude about Who God is and to live your life in response to His great love and mercy. This personal attitude will result in actions that are pleasing to Him. Fear of God, love of God and a desire for God, when truly applied to your life, will bring about godliness. Doing everything with God first on your mind and living to bring glory to His name makes one a godly person.
Dear God there is so much here to take hold of in my heart. Please help me meditate on this one scripture throughout my day and show me the power I possess to live a life of Christ-like character. You are my all and my everything I praise you this day for the things you have taught me and I ask you to give me the wisdom to make it a part of my life. In Jesus' Name.......Amen
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