Today I Choose Self-control

Today I choose self-control. To live a self-controlled, upright and godly life.
I think it's pretty safe to say that we live in a country that majorly lacks self-control. I mean we have shows like "The Biggest Loser" that revolve around people overcoming their addiction to food. We live in a society that loves to overindulge and that often gives into temptation. So how do we live self-controlled lives? I believe by the strength that God gives us and by making sure we are standing firm in our faith.
We are called to live as examples and being self-controlled is a great example to the world. Titus 2:11-13 reminds us that, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." And how are we to do this, by standing firm in our faith so when temptations come our way, we are ready to resist them.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
I think theses verses point out a few important things. First, we have to be standing firm in our faith, which means sending time in God's word and finding ways to learn more about Him. I love the quote "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything". We must stand firm in our faith, know what we believe and live out those beliefs on a daily basis. These verses also encourage us that we are not alone in our struggle to resist temptation. Verse 9 is a great testament to the importance of being involved in a body of believers. Fellowship with other believers is so important! We need to not only just attend church by sitting in a pew, we should get involved, we should serve and we should find ways that we can encourage others. How encouraging to know that we are not alone in our fight against the things of this world! We not only have our Savior who leads us and gives us strength, we also have brothers and sisters in the Christ who can encourage us.
I want to be self-controlled in the way react to stressful situations, when I am tempted to be angry, when I am tempted to gossip or when I am tempted to give into something of this world that wouldn't glorify my God.
So today I choose self-control. To be productive, motivated and to stand firm in my faith.