The third week in Christian’s teaching series on character was about self-control. “What IS self control?” you may ask yourself. Well, self-control is the ability to choose what you’re going to do. Self-control is about not making the easy decision all the time. It’s not only about choosing not to do stuff you know will be harmful, but also about choosing TO do things you know will be beneficial. It’s choosing to finish that 5-page paper that’s due tomorrow instead of playing computer games.

Wow.

It’s not easy. Believe me, self-control is a battle I fight every day. Sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose. But as with all things, practice makes you better. Let me tell you a story to illustrate. Even though I’ve worked on self-control from a very early age, I’m still not as controlled as I’d like to be. Those of you who know me know that I’ve struggled with anger throughout my whole life. When I was younger, everything that ticked me off even a little would send me into a rage. I still feel those same emotions today, but I’ve learned ways to channel that anger into less destructive outlets and to allow myself to cool down. Even though anger still comes easily to me, I’m able to let it go much more easily than I would have been able to years ago. I hope that my story plus Christian’s teaching will help to show you that it isn’t impossible to gain self-control, and that it has a positive benefit.

What are some areas that you need to gain self-control in? Be honest and share some ways that you personally could grow in self-control.