Thursday, April 25, 2013

April 25 – Self Control

And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness…. 2 Peter 1:4-6 NLT
 
Self control allows us to be disciplined and restrained with obedience to God and others. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self control as restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. Self control is the key to good behavior. If children learn self control—mastering their impulses, then their behavior will be more acceptable. This can apply to our lives as adults as well. Self control is one of those traits in which we can continually learn and grow.  

Training Tip – Teaching self control needs to begin at a young age—like 2 years old. They can’t use temper tantrums to control you and their selfish desires. Give them a short time out and when their fussing is over talk to them briefly about their unacceptable behavior. Next add praise to their training and encourage your children whenever they don’t lose control in a frustrating situation. By the time they start school they’ll understand that actions have consequences and that they have choices in good or bad behavior. As they get older persuade them to think before they act. Your example will be very important, no matter what their age. How can you expect them to control their emotions if you have outbursts of anger or rage? 

Lord – Fill our lives with self control. Thank you for disciplining _______, and for preparing him/her to share your holiness. May this discipline, however painful, train this child to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in their life. (Hebrews 12:10-11)

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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