Self-Control Leads to Optimal Health

Self-Control Leads to Optimal Health Sabbath Devotional July 21, 2023

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which is God’s.” —1 Corinthians 6:20

By managing our time and being mindful of the stimuli we allow to influence us, we can improve our intellect and strengthen our relationship with Christ. Yet, many believers are suffering from anxiety and worries which have escalated to physical illnesses from the never-ending stressors of life. Instead of having the peace of God, their lives are filled with chaos.

Something is wrong! Despite having to-do lists, they often find themselves struggling to complete their daily tasks. Never having enough time causes their lives to become a burden. When we perceive a situation as impossible, we develop a sense of hopelessness which leaves us feeling too drained to pray. The lack of prayer always isolates the believer from God resulting in the emotional distress of discouragement, guilt, and a sense of failure.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:2

Unfortunately, Christians are just as vulnerable and caught up in today’s increasingly rapid pace of life which causes more problems than it solves. Overwork and busyness lead to mental fatigue, poor nutrition, a decline in our cognition, emotional instability, poor physical health, and spiritual bankruptcy. Overwhelmed by the chaos, we stop praying and forget God’s many promises to help us in our distress.

Overloaded schedules along with the hurried pace of life create mental weariness and physical fatigue that obscures the mental acuity necessary to identify the reasons for one’s chaotic lifestyle. As we go about our daily lives, we are often confronted with “Distractions” that always hinder the completion of everyday tasks and goals. While it may be easy to dismiss these distractions as normal occurrences, it’s important to remember they are a form of spiritual warfare.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” —Ephesians 6:11-12, NIV

Although we are constantly engaged in spiritual battles, we can discern the difference between distractions and trials by the outcomes. Distractions are temptations that separate us from God by turning our attention away from Him. Trials enable us to grow spiritually and develop a righteous character. When facing the unexpected challenges of spiritual warfare, we must remain vigilant and prepared to fight.

We know the daily distractions that trouble us are warfare because they are always the things that capture our interests and cater to our preferences. This is not a coincidence. Temptations are skillfully developed by Satan and his evil angels [present on this earth] to disrupt our peace and separate us from God. Yet, Satan and his demonic angels have limitations enforced by Christ—they are not Omniscient, All-Knowing, and cannot read our minds. We are creatures of habit, so they create personalized distractions by simply observing our behaviors and habits.

Satan also uses people to interrupt our already busy life. Although we are commanded to help others, we must pray for wisdom in our level of involvement and monitor our time spent outside of our too-busy lives. Our priorities are to maintain our relationship with Christ and establish a healthy balance in our lives.

Reflection: Are my decisions [or someone else’s decisions] producing my chaotic lifestyle? Yes!

The number one distraction in 2023 is excessive screen time. At the end of the day, to relax, we watch our favorite programs, enjoy social media, play online games, shop online, or text and talk on our cell phones. We lose track of time and before we realize it, we have spent hours entertaining ourselves instead of praying a prayer of gratitude for our provisions and asking for spiritual strength.

“Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” —2 John 1:8

It is easy to feel defeated when thinking about an unhealthy lifestyle. Where does the energy come from to make changes? To acknowledge our situation by admitting that something is definitely wrong but failing to take action because we don’t know where to start will never produce good results.

The only way for believers to possess an optimal level of health is to stay on the Path of Righteousness and we need Divine Help to accomplish that life-long goal!

Self-control is the answer to most of our difficulties. Yet, we require spiritual strength from the Holy Spirit who empowers us to develop action plans to rid ourselves of all the unhealthy habits that allowed various forms of chaos into our lives.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22-23

We are not helpless! God always requires human effort before we receive Divine Help. God has given us the ability to practice self-control. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We can say no to distractions and disruptions.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7

Every human being created in the image of God has received the gift of a rational mind with the power to think, the ability to reason, and to be resourceful by making choices that enhance our lives. We are capable of assessing the causative factors which prevent us from achieving optimal health in every area of our lives and taking appropriate actions to immediately remedy the situation.

Without biblical knowledge and a spiritual understanding of the Scriptures, we will not practice self-control or strive to live our best life. Our desires will lead us to follow the same destructive path that unbelievers are on.

In studying the Creation of Earth, found in Genesis chapter 1, we notice that Jesus was intentional and systematic in creating the Earth. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:3-4).

Human Effort Required: When studying the Creation story, there is something that we probably have overlooked—”And God saw that it was good.” Jesus did not rush through the Creation process, He paused to affirm that everything He created on that day was good before He moved forward. With humility, we must possess the willingness to take a daily pause break and ask ourselves, Am I living my best life? Pray for Divine Help to change your mindset and lifestyle. Confess and repent of the lack of self-control, and take action to change your life!

We were created to live healthy, productive lives. Invest in yourself by eliminating all obstacles that threaten to weaken your sound mind, physical health, and spiritual relationship with Christ. Commit to strengthening your mind, body, and soul, by practicing self-control. It is not an easy task! And others may be offended by your decision to abruptly change your lifestyle, but remain strong, every Christian has the spiritual responsibility to uphold God’s Righteous Standards!

Establish boundaries for yourself and for those who tread on your time or bring chaos into your life.

1. Eliminate purchasing tangible items. You have everything you need. An overabundance of physical things creates a cluttered mind and a spirit of greed.
2. Time Management–Too many things on your to-do list prevent you from enjoying life. Make a realistic schedule that includes time with God. Rest and relaxation along with the ability to laugh and have fun creates a work-life-spiritual balance.
3. Purchase nutritious foods and cook your meals. High-Calorie convenience foods rob the body of strength and wreck the intellect.
4. Choose an alternate outside environment to exercise. We require fresh air and sunshine. The gym is okay when the weather is bad, but does nothing for us spiritually. God created nature for us!
5. Change your temperament. Impatience, harshness, anger, unforgiveness, and criticism are negative behaviors that prevent God’s internal gifts of peace and joy.
6. Learn to establish boundaries regarding your time. For those who desire constant help and favors, do not enable them. And respectfully decline invitations that serve little to no purpose in your life.

With positive changes, you can enjoy the peace of God. Once your lifestyle begins to improve, take a break. Go on a mini vacation, preferably a nature trip, even if it’s only for one day. You will feel re-energized and gain confidence from your effort to create positive changes.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.” —Psalm 34:17

God honors our diligence when we do our part in restoring equilibrium to our mind and body. The Holy Spirit will empower you by refreshing your mind, body, and soul. Deliverance from our troubles is one of God’s promises.

Pray: Utilize some of your extra time by spending additional time in worship. God is our priority. We receive mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength from the Holy Spirit. Always take the time to pray for guidance, wisdom, and protection.

Study the Word of God: Choose a chapter of the Bible and study it every day. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you discernment of God’s Truth. It is best to read the same chapter twice a day. If you cannot recall a significant part of what you studied then do not move forward. Restudy the chapter for 2-3 days.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

We can achieve optimal mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health! Since the stress of former counterproductive habits is eliminated, consider new hobbies and activities. Yet, we must always be on guard for the distractions and habits that kept us in the bondage of chaos. Take a daily pause and prayer break to ask for the Divine strength and wisdom to stay on track to living a life of optimal health.

Throughout our day, we can meditate on the Scriptures, listen to inspirational music and pray. The Holy Spirit will provide spiritual vitality to our minds, bodies, and souls. With determination, self-control, and Divine help, our lives will be organized and filled with peace and our hearts with overflowing joy.

With the human effort of self-control and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can live spiritually healthy and prosperous lives. Amen!

Scripture: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” —3 John 2

Prayer: God, we are taking a pause and prayer break to ask for Your Divine Intervention in our lives. We are tired of the turmoil that is impacting our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. We are tired of the turmoil that is impacting our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Please reveal the changes we need to make in our lifestyles. Thank You for the beauty of the Sabbath. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries