Saved Without Regrets

When thinking about being a Christian and having a Christ-like mindset two thoughts linger: self-control and free will. While they may seem polar or at opposite ends, the two terms really have a strong connection which is predicated on each other (it depends on the truth or existence of this thing). I do believe that we have both the ability to use self-control and a free-will that can work hand in hand.

Maybe you are wondering, “How so?” God gives us a free-will which is evident by us having the choice in making the decision to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. No one can make us become saved. We have to make that decision. Likewise having or using self-control; again is up to the individual no one can make a person use self-control. You may be thinking about incentives or punishments that might be used to get individuals to do or not to do something. However, isn’t it still really up to that person whether or not they will utilize self-control for whatever reason?

With life as it is and has been throughout the ages, we all need to use our free-will to assist us with self-control under every situation. The “Serenity Prayer” is a way to think about how the two can work together to this end.

God, grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change…
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference.

https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/god_grant_me_the_serenity.html

I got to reflecting on our own strength (of course through Jesus Christ – Philippians 4:13) because of situations that occur in this world so full of sin with Satin’s promises and persistence as well as just understanding that at times there are things that happen that are truly out of one’s control. Yes, when we feel that the devil is at our heels we can reflect on James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” There is another scripture that I will leave you with that puts you in the “driver’s seat” using both self-control and free-will that I believe will make a difference in not only your life, but to anyone that you come in contact with. God wants us to love him first and one another as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Following the verse below may help us to do that and more. Using self-control and our free-will can assist us in living a victorious life!

Scripture: Colossians 3:8

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

https://biblehub.com/colossians/3-8.htm

Grace & Peace