In our series “How Big is Your But” we’ve looked at how the word “but” can excuse worry, and fear. We’ve examined the
children of Israel hearing the reports of the spies and choosing to be disobedient. We’ve looked briefly at Joshua and Caleb but still need to apply their spirit in our lives. First we need to examine fear.

Most ‘fear’ is simply:

“False-Evidence-Appearing-Real™”

“Fantasy Expectations Appearing Real”

“Faith in – Explanations that are – Against – Reality”

What is our reality? Our reality is what God says about us and His will for us.

Billy Graham is quoted to have written, ‘anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God and his will for us’.

There are 125 imperatives Jesus gave his disciples. Of these, 21 urge us to “not be afraid” or “not fear” or “have courage” or “take heart” or “be of good cheer.” Jesus doesn’t want you to fear. He hasn’t given you a Spirit of fear. Get to know you’re reality so you can live without fear.

I know this is a short post today. I just wanted to get you thinking about what fear really is. Defining it helps us to control it. It helps us even more to start by controlling the worry.

Can we really control fear? What’s your opinion? Share it in the comments.

photo credit: quinn.anya

Truth:

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 (New Living Translation)

Thought:

Self-control is a mark of wisdom. Proverbs 29:11 says, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (NIV). Self-control is one of the most difficult fruit to grow for some people.

Our culture tells us to, “Buy now, pay later.” We move out of our parent’s home and want to get everything they took a lifetime to gather, in just a couple of years. We’re taught to have an attention span of 6 minutes – until the next commercial. We’re trained to expect instant gratification.

So is there any hope to grow the fruit of self-control?

With God there always is hope. It’s so much easier to be self-controlled when you let the Spirit control you.

Here’s an example: I’ve tried different times to diet and lose some weight. I don’t have the self-control to stick to it. But my wife and I felt led by God to do an extended Daniel fast. We abstained from everything but vegetables, fruit, water, whole grains and nuts. I was doing it in obedience to God and unto him. I knew it was His will and that He would help me do His will. I wasn’t trying to lose weight, but I did.

So it’s good to know His will and that He helps us to do His will.

It’s His will for us to control our bodies:

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor– not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 (New Living Translation)

It’s His will for us to control our minds:

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7 (New International Version)

It’s His will for us to control our mouths:

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 (New Living Translation)

And He’s given us the Holy Spirit to teach and empower us to live self-controlled lives:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present
age, Titus 2:11-12 (New International Version)

Isn’t God good?

Prayer:

Lord, I need Your help to grow self-control. I know it’s not my determination that makes me right before You. It’s Your grace and mercy that I need to grow this fruit. Empower me to control my body, my thoughts and my mouth…all for Your glory.

Challenge:

Do you need to grow self-control in an area of your life? Confess it to God, ask Him to help you, and then find someone today to help you stay accountable.

Declaration:

I choose to reflect the light of the Son to the side of the world that’s away from the sun. I choose to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.