Self-Control

Out of the fruit of the Spirit, I think the one that we abuse the most is self-control (discipline). Rather, we are gluttons, we indulge all kinds of fleshly appetites, not just food. Indeed, most of us eat too much, "supersize it," "just one more chocolate bar," "do you want butter and sour cream with that?" Many of us grew up in the "clean plate club." We had to eat it because there were starving children in China. I never understood how my eating all of my food exactly helped the starving children around the world. I somehow still feel obligated to finish everything on my plate when we go out to eat. My husband will say, "Carla, you don't have to eat it all." But I do. That's how I was raised!
Self-discipline, of course, applies to much more that eating. We are not disciplined to study like we should, to pray like we should, to witness like we should. (Now, I don't want to get into works righteousness here!) But there are things we should be doing for the Lord that we aren't doing because we don't discipline ourselves to do them. What do I not do? Although I do read and study a lot I don't spend enough time hidden away with Jesus. When I do manage to find a time alone with the Bible, He always speaks to me through the Word. I need to discipline myself to listen to Him more...