Day 23 of 40 – Temperance
Today is day 23 of my 40 day consecration and I cannot say that I’ve been as faithful to this fast as I have previous ones. It seems like every time I seek to have one-on-one time with God, I would be slammed with 100 things that had to be done or I would be too tired. Interestingly, if I don’t make the time, I become lazy and then I begin hearing my flesh say I don’t want to do this and that. Like Paul said in Romans 7:21, “when I would do good, evil is present with me.”
Today I was speaking with my 15 year old daughter about temperance. Actually, I’ve been working on this with her for a little while now. Since she is youngest, she’s been accustom to having more things catered to her than my older children, and with less responsibility. As a result, she’s developed the mindset of thinking that she doesn’t have to do things she doesn’t want to do. One day, about two weeks ago, she sassed me telling me she didn’t “feel” like doing something I had told her. It’s funny, because it is at those times that I see the fruit of the Spirit, and one of them is temperance.
I told my daughter that we all do things we don’t want to do but need to do. Sometimes doing what you don’t want to do is required to doing something you want to do. Such as keeping a clean room. There are times we don’t “feel” like cleaning up but we do to keep it clean, presentable and looking good. In my case as it pertains to this consecration, sometimes I don’t “feel” like praying at the appointed time or reading the Word of God; however, I know my obedience and sacrifice is pleasing to God. Additionally, I know I need both in order to grow in Christ which is what I want most.
It’s funny, because as I am working with my daughter on this, God is working on me on this very same thing. I cannot complain, actually I am grateful. From the last few weeks, I realize that I need to exercise more control in certain areas in my life. By the grace of God and strength of God, I know that I will. My confidence is not in myself but in this, that He who began a good work in me will carry it to completion until the day of Christ.
To God be all the glory, honor and praise!
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