Christian's Handbook 1

Handbook 1 is a collection of Christian articles containing spiritual wisdom and knowledge derived from Christians' personal experiences in living daily for God.

Self-Control

Handbook 1: Article 78 - Be Creative With Your Feelings

I am assuming that like me you want to be mature both as a Christian and a human being -- that you are tired of being enslaved to your emotions, reacting rather than "acting" as you should, keeping your behavior in line with the commands of Jesus. I want to be in control of what I say and do. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I know that it is beyond my grasp as long as I worship the way I feel, serving myself rather than God. Scripture tells us to "put aside all anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech." No room for rampant emotional expression here. This is part of our old self with its evil practices. We are being renovated according to the image of the One who created us.

I would like to share with you some of the thoughts that either keep me from losing control or help me restore my self-control without sinning when I am in danger of being overpowered by my emotions. I remember the following:

  1. My feelings are irrelevant.
  2. This too shall pass.
  3. The important thing is to keep from sinning.
  4. Life is meant to disillusion me.
  5. Crying only makes my eyes red.
  6. If I am patient, there is goodness and mercy for me in everything.
  7. "If I want something very badly, I must let it go free. If it is mine it will return to me. If it doesn't it was never mine to begin with." (Jess Lear)

I also find these instructions in Psalm 4 helpful:

"Tremble with anger or fear but do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord."

MC


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  1. Fantasy
  2. Jesus Was a Man
  3. The Mind of Christ
  4. Our Emotions
  5. Expectations
  6. Self-Control
  7. Feelings
  8. Fear
  9. He That Is in Me Is Greater

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