How to Practice Self-Control as a Christian: Why Do I Act That Way?

Why Do I Act That Way?

In her book, Daily Decrees for Family Blessing and Breakthrough, author Brenda Kunneman gave me a new approach to how I show up for life. She wrote about the importance of declaring increases of provision in all aspects of life.

Kunneman included provisions such as health, wise decisions, and mental clarity. She encouraged us to increase willingness and decrease selfish rebellion. I’m newly inspired to incorporate God’s promises while I’m on this side of heaven.

Earth Is Training for Heaven

I sometimes view heavenly rewards as gifts to receive when I get there. A pastor taught that earth is our training ground for heaven. This makes me think, “If I wouldn’t speak, think, or respond a particular way in heaven, why act or talk that way on earth?”

If I crave clarity and peace now, I’m to claim it now and then live peacefully. If I want conversations and relationships to mutually uplift, I need to limit my interaction with people and topics that discourage and traumatize.

A Heavenly Reaction

Yes, there are tragedies. Yes, there is division. Yes, there are less-than-happy circumstances. I can choose to lash, lie down, or shelter myself from what appears to be disastrous. However, I can also invite a more heavenly reaction. Brenda Kunneman wrote that “one of the most powerful skills someone can have is to maintain faith and stamina when something is trying to close in.”

She continues, “Our emotions can be affected by the slightest change. Keeping your emotions in check and not allowing yourself to get down is something you must actively fight for.”
(Kunneman, Brenda. Daily Decrees for Family Blessing and Breakthrough, 2021)

A Declaration for Today

Easy to read. Simple to understand. A challenge to incorporate. I’ll spend most of my time in heaven and earth is a less-than-100-year deployment. With that perception, I declare to practice self-control rather than being scattered by my feelings. I can take charge of myself when people with unfortunate personalities, and situations, threaten to toss me around like a leaf in the wind.

How to Practice Self-Control as a Christian

Learning how to practice self-control as a Christian means choosing to respond in alignment with God’s promises—even when our emotions beg for a different path. I can spend my time reacting to circumstances or I can commit to God’s way of living, which often means surrendering pride, impatience, or fear.

Self-control doesn’t mean I’m emotionless. It means I’m anchored, even when I feel overwhelmed. It’s a declaration of trust in God’s authority over my own reactions. With every challenge, I get another opportunity to train for heaven by living like I believe what God says is true.

Jesus, thank you for reminders that earth is fleeting. When I get entrenched in circumstantial hardships, make me quick to respond with more of a heavenly vantage point. Thank you for people who write and speak truth into my life and our world.

When people are brought low and you say, “Lift them up!” then he will save the downcast (Job 22:29).

For additional 5-minute audio clips, check out “A Slice of PIE with Christina Mae”