Day 9 - Let Self-Control Be a Way

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
​Titus 2: 11-13 

​Meditate or Reflect
In a culture where excess is the norm, and advertisers encourage us to “just do it,” living with self-control can be quite the challenge. But we are called and set apart. Self-control is the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit; it is a practice of strength (Vine’s Dictionary). The more we are able to tame the desires of the flesh, the closer we grow in relationship with God. In the verse for today we learn that it Is the grace of God that trains us to reject “godless ways and worldly desires” and also trains us to “live self-controlled” lives as we wait for the return of our Savior, Jesus. Reflect on the grace of God that has brought you to salvation. Take a breath, and think of areas where you need the grace of God to train you to greater self-discipline – with words, thoughts, behaviors. Consider how a spiritual practice of self-discipline could enrich your relationship with God.
 
Heart, Mind, and Soul
Tune into how you experience self-control in your heart. Does it feel like a loss, or a punishment? If it does feel that way, then maybe you have an area of life that needs self- discipline. When letting go of worldly things feels like a punishment, then maybe the worldly thing has become an idol. Or, does self- control feel honorable and obedient? Honor and obedience are great ways to approach self-control. How would you like for self-control to feel in your heart? Let self-control by the grace of God, and with honor and obedience in your heart be a way of life today. Take a moment to make room for self-control in your heart today.
 
Turn to your thoughts.  Have you practiced self-control with your thoughts? When worldly thoughts come to mind, do you take those thoughts captive and ask the Lord for help?   Imagine if self-control was a type of spiritual practice or discipline. What would self-control in your thoughts be like?  Let self-control in your mind be a way of life today. Take a moment to make room for self-control in your thoughts today.
 
Bring your focus to your soul. What if, for today, you were more soul-centered than self-centered? How would self-control give you greater attunement to your own soul?  Take a breath and abide with God’s grace, receiving the training His grace gives to reject worldly desires and develop greater self-control
 
God, Self, and Others – Set your intention for today, or make a plan for developing self-control
Will you abide in God’s grace for you today? Being trained to reject worldly desires.
Will you practice self-control today? Saying “no” to godless ways, and worldly desires.
How will you use self-control with others today – in speech, thoughts, and deeds? Start with one person.