Self Control

1 Corinthians 9:27But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel, and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. (AMP)

1 Corinthians 6:19-20Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (NIV)

“Feel my finger!” she cried. “It isn’t wet. It doesn’t have bumps on it. I have self control!”Alone in her bedroom, our granddaughter chose to discipline herself. She refused to put her thumb in her mouth again. I rejoiced with her, but was ashamed of my own lack of self-control. When was the last time I decided not to take a second helping or refused a bite of chocolate or a slice of cake? Oh, sure we do that in public. We don’t want others to watch us chow down.

God’s diet/exercise/stop smoking/stop ________ plan is clear. Treat our bodies as His temple. Ask Him for the strength we need, when we need it. Our part? Receive His help by faith, resist temptation and guard the holiness of His temple. God gives strength for a walk, but it isn’t exercise until we put on shoes and open the door.

Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to decide to box our bodies into shape. Amen

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