My heart is drawn to deceitful desires— the things that I think can fill me, but really lead me away from true joy. I hunger for temporary satisfaction like Esau who traded his legacy for a single meal (Hebrews 12:16-17). When I allow distractions to monopolize my focus and pursue fleeting passions, I may miss an eternal blessing. I certainly don't want to overlook God's blessings!
How do I develop self-control and discipline in daily living? Here are a few of the instructions and encouragements found in scripture:
- SEEK THE LORD FIRST // Matthew 6:33 // "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
- RENEW YOUR MIND TO KNOW HIS WILL // Romans 12:2 // "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
- PUT ON YOUR NEW SELF IN GOD'S LIKENESS// Ephesians 4:22-24 // "You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth."
- REMEMBER THE GOAL OF ENDURANCE: COMPLETE MATURITY! // James 1:4 // "But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."
- REALIZE THE VALUE OF YOUR TIME // Ephesians 5:15-17 // "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."
Ultimately, we need develop an eternal perspective to know how to use our time on Earth wisely. If the priorities of our heart are set on the things of the Lord, discipline and self-control will follow. I have to value his blessings over the allure of worldly desires.
Be on the lookout for my next post about eternal treasures!