Month: July 2020

Self-Controlled Actions, By Sarah Tummey

I’m sure you will thoroughly enjoy this final post in a 3-part series about self-control written by my dear friend Sarah Tummey.

We’re thinking about a quote from Trina Bresser Matous: That self-control includes control emotionally, physically and in one’s thoughts. We’ve looked at our thoughts and emotions, so what does it mean to have self-control physically? As far as I can see, she’s talking about our physical bodies and how we use them. Paul talked about this too, when in Romans 6:13 he urged us to offer the parts of our body to God as instruments of righteousness (to be used for doing good). That reminds me of my favourite Casting Crowns song. “Slow Fade” came out of a Sunday-school song from fifty years ago, to the tune of “If You’re Happy and you Know It”. Casting Crowns kept the concept of the song, but changed the lyrics and melody to make it more adult. It’s all about the effect your actions have on those around you. We can offer our eyes to God by turning away from something unwholesome, rather than give it a second look. We can offer our lips to God because if we make promises we can’t keep, hurting people could be further disillusioned.
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Self-Controlled Emotions, By Sarah Tummey

I’m sure you will thoroughly enjoy this second post in a 3-part series about self-control written by my dear friend Sarah Tummey.

Last week, we considered Trina Bresser Matous’ statement that self-control includes control emotionally, physically and in one’s thoughts. If I’m really honest, self-controlled emotions have been a struggle for me. Nowadays on social media, you see quotes such as: “We can’t control what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond”. This was never taught or shown to me growing up. It’s only as an adult that I’m hearing people say it, and not just Christians either. I could understand a Christian saying: “In my own strength I’d fail at this, but the Holy Spirit’s changing my outlook and helping me to be different”. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As Christians, we want that fruit of God’s Spirit to grow in us because we want to please Him, but how do you choose to respond well without that motivation? I suppose any stressful situations can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so the calmer you can be, the better.
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