self-control

Gluttony, Self-Control, and Me

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , ,

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control…For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:5-10

Liturgical churches practice Lent before the arrival of Passion Week and Easter. They practice this discipline as a reminder of Jesus’ temptation at the start of HIS ministry. Most will choose fasting from food. Others may choose sacrificing something else. But the focus is disciplining their body under the auspices of the Holy Spirit. The process is to become more like Jesus in one area of their life.

I personally do not observe Lent. But I am all for practicing disciplines to become more like Jesus. This is one of the roles of a disciple. To take part with Jesus in actions which transform the human heart. To become more like HIM in attitude, desires, and actions.

Most often I am led to define a personal weakness and then select an opposing discipline to practice. Over-the-years we have gone to the spiritual gym and worked out specific areas. Each routine becomes the focus of transformation with the help of the Holy Spirit. For example, greed is overcome by generosity. Too-much-talk is introduced to silence. A self-centered viewpoint is dismantled through a Triune God worldview. Laziness discovers diligence. Loneliness meets community. Religiosity is set aside with relationship. Lordship is replaced with servant-hood; and many more. (The longer you live, the more opportunities you have to practice.)

This season of life we are taking on one area that I have refrained until now. It is one of the largest strongholds still possessing me. As I have mentioned at times, I love to eat. I eat whenever there is a reason too. I eat to celebrate. I eat to comfort. I eat to remove boredom. I eat to please my sweet tooth. I may occasionally eat because the body needs more nourishment. As the old joke goes, you can call me anything, as long as you don’t call me late for dinner.

It is one area of my life that the walls of the city are broken. If I be true to God and myself, it is time to rebuild the wall. So, we start again. This time with the intentional purpose to put in place long-term disciplines. Practices that will allow the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to complete HIS work in me. To create the internal condition of self-control in my desires for food.

The Spirit of self-control is evident in many other areas of this life. But with food, I have never made the commitment to totally surrender its mastery over me to our Lord. There have been short periods of time where HIS fruit led the way. But for many reasons, we succumb back to our inner, deep desires. So now we begin again. We begin with grace. We will proceed with grace. We will end with grace. For without grace, I would not attempt this again.

So here we go. Gluttony disbanded with Spirit-led self-control. Our desire is to enjoy food with temperance, gratitude and moderation. Holy Spirit, let us go to work.

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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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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