self-control

Spiritual Gym Rat

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

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.  I Corinthians 9:24-27

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 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.   I Timothy 4:7-8

My father laughed when I joined a local gym in my mid-thirties. At the time, upon the birth of our daughter, I couldn’t walk up four flights of stairs without gasping for air. Something needed to change or I’ll never see my daughter grow up. So, I joined the gym.

He laughed because his work kept him in physical shape. He was always active. There is a family picture of him doing pushups with his three children sitting on his back. He didn’t have to join a gym. He was a rough carpenter building homes for a living. His eight hours a day made him exert physical muscles that I discovered only at the gym.

But the gym then was a life savior for me. The first day the female trainer took me around and showed how to use all the equipment. The embarrassing time came when she would lift the 65-pound bar with ease and I couldn’t lift it once. That is how far this youthful athlete fell into despair.

But over time and effort the body came back into shape. Climbing four flights of stairs was afterwards a piece of cake. Lifting 65-pound weights in any arm was child’s play. The gym help jump start this body to once again appreciate God’s creation. The preparedness gave me confidence to face any physical challenge that came along.

The apostle Paul often compared athletic training with the Christian practice. When one exercises daily disciplines, one trains the body and soul to face life’s adventures. As the athlete focuses on the prize, the Christ-follower aims at becoming more like Jesus. There is purpose and discipline behind every action. Paul’s conclusion is one who pursues and trains in godliness will benefit in this life as well as for eternity.

I have not been in a gym for a long time. But when I did, it was to jump start this body unto a path of both physical and spiritual discipline. Since then, I have included in my daily morning routine activities to build the body and soul. No more gym required. But the discipline is to continue the importance of training the body and soul. To be ready for the challenges of facing everyday life. Both physical and spiritual health requires a game plan. It just doesn’t happen. Poor health most often happens because of negligence. The same with spiritual health.

So, if you don’t have a daily routine scheduled in your day for both, start. Otherwise, when it comes time to climb those stairs or face evil, you may fail the test. The worst part is all could have been avoided if you took the time to prepare your body and soul beforehand.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Self-Control

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Proverbs 25:28

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

Titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Why does God value self-control?

Imagine, you are a criminal looking for a house to break into. The house you identify is located in a high crime area. But what makes this house more vulnerable compared to other homes in the neighborhood? The house has no fence, no doors, and no windows. It is begging you for trouble.

Isn’t that the same with a person who cannot control their spirit and responses?

Have you ever noticed the difference between people? One person pursues immediate satisfaction while the other one sacrifices the present for a future reward. One seeks pleasure and the other fulfillment. Both want to be happy. One jumps from job to job, diet to diet, or bed to bed, without ever finding long lasting happiness. Yet another sacrifices immediate gratifications. Why? Because their aim is a worthwhile goal. When achieved it will grant them the opportunity to fulfill their hearts desire for the long term.    

The apostle Paul wrote his trainee Titus a letter referring to the importance of self-control. Since God showers us with HIS grace, learn to live accordingly. One purpose of grace is to train us in godliness – to reflect HIS character in all situations. As HE prepares us for eternity, self-control benefits us now with patience and strength to choose wisely in our pursuits and actions.

HE has given HIMSELF to us via the Holy Spirit living in us. The fruit of HIM living in you and I includes HIS attribute of self-control (Gal. 5:23). We have the honor and privilege to learn how best to exercise its influence. Yet, when we ignore HIM, HIS ways, and indulge in immediate self-gratification, we are falling short of reflecting HIS glory.

How can you draw closer to HIM and allow HIS self-control lead you?

One old-fashion practice is to fast. Fasting from food for 24 hours is learning to say NO to the self for a greater purpose. Instead, when the hunger pains arrive, one learns to pray. As we lean on HIM, HE gives us strength. Of course, if medical reasons prevents you from fasting, there may be other practices you may use.

Whatever addiction you face may be the item you refrain from part taking for a short period of time. In lieu, you spend more time praying when those desires hit you. The purpose is to learn how to lean on HIM when unwanted, immediate desires stroke you.

After you successfully practice such a discipline, you find yourself stronger and in control of the temptation you face.

Jesus Christ is our example of self-control. Read the gospel accounts and see how often HE refrained from exercising the authority HE had when confronted by HIS enemies. How easily HE could have destroyed them. But instead HE exercised self-control and allowed the fruit of the Holy Spirit be amplified.

Self-control requires sacrificing for the moment. And the long term benefits also far outweigh your immediate act of love when you reflect Jesus in all you do.   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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No

Dr. Mike 2021 , , , 
Galatians 5:24

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

A simple two letter word that most of us have great difficulty executing when needed.

                                                                        NO

How often, when we are tempted, do we immediately put on the breaks and give ourselves a quick, determined “NO?” How many times this past week did our carnal desires win out?

What is the problem with saying NO to ourselves? Are we afraid of missing out on something? Afraid to hurt someone else’s feelings? Fearful of what others may think of us? Or are we such a narcissist that we believe we are God’s best gift to mankind?

Sometimes I even shock myself to discover how little self-control I exercise in my daily walk. I want; I expect; I deserve; I don’t care; me, me, me – It’s all about me.

Whew! When the ugliness comes alive, and this old man fumigates the room, everyone needs to disappear. Otherwise, my two-year old nature surfaces and he has a very strong self-centered ego which gets him into trouble at times.

Yes, those were the younger days when I didn’t even realize I had a problem with self-control. “No” was only a word in the dictionary and reserved for two-year old children. It took a few years plus God’s Spirit to open my eyes and see the ugliness of a life without self-control.

For example, I could eat a gallon of ice cream or a large bag of chips in one sitting without any known ramifications. I could work 24 hours without sleep for days and not talk with family members or friends; just be strictly focused on what I was doing.

I did whatever I wanted without considering the consequences to myself and others. My sole purpose was to satisfy me, myself, and I.

Thankfully, the Spirit would slap some sense into me. Realizing my self-narcissistic tendency, I started a repentance process that even continues to this day. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit and His fruit of self-control, I may still struggle at times, but have learned the great joy of saying “No” to the self.

The short-term struggle now most often leads to a long-term satisfaction found only in Jesus Christ. Those of us born in the United States definitely struggle with an over-abundance of material and choices which make being a Christ-follower more challenging at times then our brothers and sisters in third-world development countries.

Yet the battle is the same for both of us. We learn to deny ourselves and allow the Spirit to work in us and through us for the glory of God. The end result is always best for you and I for the long term. “No” may be a short two-letter word, but the impact of a properly placed “No” is the beginning of allowing our Triune God to complete His purpose of producing a spiritual masterpiece in you and I. Therefore, use wisely.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
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 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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