P.I.G., commonly known as the Problem of Immediate Gratification, is the enemy of our willpower and self-control. We all have it in some area of our lives. It has brought down presidents, kings, and everyday people like you and me.
My P.I.G. varies from yours. Mine is a constant battle with food. Yours may be smoking, sex, or something like nail-biting. It’s the thing we know to be wrong, yet it calls our name and we often succumb to its yodel.
The more you feed your P.I.G. the worse it gets. The cure is avoidance of fellow P.I.G.-ers. Substitutions or distractions. New interests or hobbies or if necessary, new friends. Journaling is an option. It helps to speak to yourself with words like I am a non-smoker, instead of I am desperate for a smoke. I often make positive lists of what I need to accomplish in the day. By all means, I avoid situations that place me in temptation’s way.
Relapses happen. Ask yourself “Am I setting my goals too high? Do I really care enough about myself to be healthier? What are my real thoughts and ambitions for my life? Am I living true to who I say I am?
Whatever happens, refuse to be like Felix.
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
(Acts 24:25, NIV)
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