Control Yourself!

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.  1 Peter 1:13

If you have ever been in a moment of sheer frustration or emotional distress (and haven't we all), you know it can sometimes be hard to think clearly. Whether it is an argument with a spouse, a child who is disobeying or an injustice by a stranger, our emotions can get the best of us. This verse is a very wise verse. 
Think clearly. When we feel the emotions getting too intense, we need to take a moment to clear our mind. Emotions like anger, jealousy, extreme sadness or even moments of excitement can cause us to jump to conclusions, make wrong decisions and get us in a mess. When we find ourselves in situations that challenge our rational thought pattern, we must override the emotion and think clearly. Use our heads. Obey God. Our hearts can be misleading when ruled by our emotions.
Sometimes, we don’t think clearly when we have been entertaining thoughts or actions that are not godly. We allow Satan to skew the truth, and we must not entertain thoughts that are harmful to our spirits, our families and our lives. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” In other words, if it doesn’t line up with God’s Word, don’t think it.
Exercise self-control. This part of the verse is much easier to obey if we have done the first part.  When we think clearly, we are more likely to have self-control. Self control keeps us from saying and doing things we will regret. “Running off at the mouth” and saying hurtful things don’t happen when we practice self-control. Giving in to temptation and falling prey to sin doesn’t happen when we think clearly and exercise self-control. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. If we have been saved, then we have self-control. We just have to learn to use it. This verse is all about using wisdom. Proverbs 12:16 says, “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” 12:18 says, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” 13:16 “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t.” 14:16 “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.” There are many other verses that connect this verse with wisdom. So let’s use wisdom. Let’s think clearly and exercise self-control.