How to Be Blessed By God
Control Our Flesh

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

          Any serious student of God’s Word agrees that the one challenge that God expects us to take on is the control of our flesh.  He does not leave us powerless in this battle, but it is a battle.  The Holy Spirit gives us thoughts – inserting scriptures that encourage us.  We know that God won’t allow the flesh to be attacked beyond our ability to control it.  All that being true, you and I must realize saying “no” to our lower nature is our responsibility.  This is the price of being “free moral agents.”  We have both the privilege and responsibility to choose God’s way or our fleshly way!  Let me offer some suggestions for help in this area of “self-control.”

First, remember God’s blessings and rewards for those who successfully win over the battles of the flesh.  Force yourself to “connect the dots”…God can’t bless the person who practices sinful behavior!  God can, and promises to, bless any and all who “present their bodies as living sacrifices – holy and pleasing to God…” (Romans 12:1).

Second, remind yourself that the cravings are short-term and of the long term feelings that come afterward.  It works both ways – failures and successes.  If I cave into my desires, I get a short-term “buzz,” but a long-term feeling of shame and guilt.  If I win over the craving, I get a long-term “buzz” with the feelings of success and spiritual victory!

Finally, speak truth to yourself.  Don’t listen to the devil’s lies that “you can’t do it – it’s too hard.”  Live in truth, it will set you free.

“Father, grant me your spirit of self-control and I pledge my total energy in the battle against my flesh!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”