Thinking clearly & exercising self control can be hard this time of year when holiday sights, sounds & smells surround our everyday disciplines. Markel & I are working in a new environment & the donuts & candy & Cinnabon’s, oh my, can easily trump my desire for the spinach protein shake in my lunch bag 😂
The 1st part of that sentence is an imperative written by Peter. I can see him speaking with breathless exhortation as I read his words:
“Come on, now! Think clearly! Exercise self control! Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires! You didn’t know any better then!”
I remember when we’d purchased a new van when Tommas was little. One day we discovered a long scratch in the paint that traversed around the perimeter of the van - like someone had keyed it.😳
We asked the boys if they knew what’d happened & Tommas proudly said, “Yes! I was drawing a line!” We couldn’t be upset with him because he didn’t know any better.
The “problem” with knowledge is that it pops our ignorance bubble. Once we know something, I don’t think we can un-know it?
Making wise choices DOES require clear, premeditated thinking AND predetermined self control!
I KNOW how awful I feel after I eat sugary sweets, but I easily slip back into my old ways when I don’t begin my day arming myself with discernment & self control.
On Sunday, our pastor said, “Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.” Such a good word, right?
Being healthy physically, spiritually, relationally, financially & emotionally all require discernment & self control AND we cannot have either apart from the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit.
He IS The Counselor who whispers the wise Way & the fruit of self control is a whole lot less about willpower & a whole lot more about allowing Jesus Lordship over the deep desires of our heart!
As we enter the holiday season, may we keep Peter’s exhortation before us!
Father, give us discernment to make wise choices, & Holy Spirit, let your fruit of self control govern the areas where our flesh wants to return to our old ways of doing things! Keep us on Your path & remind us that there is NOTHING as good as wholeness & holiness feels!
November 23 One Year Bible Readings
💡Ezekiel 45:13-46:24
💡1 Peter 1:13-2:10
💡Psalm 119:33-48
💡Proverbs 28:11
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