SQUARE 1 : Self Control

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13

At the closing of this week's MACfit session, we suggested to journal this week about areas in our lives where we could use some more, or begin to establish, self control.  As with many things in life, fitness and health have a WHOLE LOT to do with self control. 

Haven't you heard that fruit is good for your health? This week, let's take a look at where we are lacking some of that blessed fruit of the spirit! (Galatians 5:22-23)

It could be that you are an over-eater (guilty!). Maybe you have lazy tendencies and can't seem to "find the time" to get active, or maybe bad food choices have too much control over you.  Can't drive past a DQ without wanting a blizzard? Join the club.  But self control steps in and says - not today, you have a goal in mind to feel better and be healthy, girl! (Believe me - that doesn't mean ice cream is gone for good!  Didn't want to scare anybody off with that analogy.)

Lack of self control can also show up in how we mentally view ourselves, in relation to our "image." We can either become to focused on how we look, or we can find ourselves finding improvement in our exterior as our sole motivation.

Self control means "the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc." according to the collins english dictionary. However, many of us don't yet have the ability to do just that.  And that's okay!   I encourage you this week to journal the exact moments when you wish you had said "NO to the CHOCOLATE CAKE!" or when you head to bed wishing you had worked out earlier in the day. And in the same manner, journal how good you feel when you chose to work out and get your blood pumping instead! I read a quote recently that went like this:

"Man, I really regret that workout."

-said by, NO ONE EVER.

Exactly.

Next week we are going to find ways as a group to help us overcome those poor choices, with God's help.  In fact, I no longer even consider it "self control"... it's straight up GOD control with me.  I consistently pray for God's help in my decision making, for conviction to make the changes, and for His power to infuse my will... Lord knows I can't do it on my own.

 I encourage you this week to look for areas where your SELF needs more control, and lets give those up to God together!