Self-control

 I was sitting down for lunch today and looking in my soup bowl. It was filled with chickpea chili along with pickled beets and asparagus. Honestly all I wanted at that moment was a McDonald's Big Mac with crispy hot French fries! I wanted to "hang up" this plant based diet and opt for Kentucky Fried Chicken followed by a big, drippy Dairy Queen cone. Why do I have to put up with food that sometimes just doesn't taste good? Why should I crawl into bed at 10:00 instead of watching the latest funny Dvd? Why is it best to open my Bible first thing in the morning instead of turning up the volume of Good Morning America? Why is it better to worship in church on Sunday morning rather than sleep in and then hit the biggest Sunday brunch? Why when it hurts so much to walk with a weak leg and bone spurred feet do I push myself around the park time and time again?

SELF-CONTROL
Does anyone else out there have trouble with self-control? It is the last of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22. Galatians goes on to say in verse 24 that "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Have I? Those fleshly passions and desires many times get the best of me! What a struggle? Can anyone else relate here?

In my spiritually stronger moments 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 comes to mind:
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. You were bought at a price, therefore honor God with your body."

In my weaker moments I "cheat" on my diet with some filet or read a novel instead of my Bible or sit outside on the lawn chair forgoing the sweaty exercise. In these moments I know my loving and forgiving God understands and is just around the corner ready to whisper into my ear, "Get going again! You can do it." Thankfully, He is my biggest cheerleader!

I think the answer to my questions about self-control is never give up. I, with God's help, can train my body to do what is right for a healthy mind and physical body so I can honor God as He seeks to use me. Bottom line is-like a well oiled and maintained antique car I want to keep running and functioning as long as possible to be available for the "driver" to use me as the "King's float" giving honor where honor is due!

OK-pass the tofu!