What You Can’t Control, Controls You!

“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12 CSB).

What you can't control, controls you. This saying has been particularly helpful in my life, especially regarding matters of the heart. Consider the weather, for example. It is an external element beyond our control that dictates what we can do. I enjoy relaxing at the beach, but a thunderstorm will determine whether or not I can go—it’s out of my control. The same concept applies to matters of the heart and the practice of spiritual disciplines.

The Apostle Paul speaks about the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV). Self-control, listed last, is a powerful tool for how we live our lives. It starts with a decision in your mind about what you will or will not do. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that he will not be mastered by anything, meaning he decided not to be controlled by anything except doing the Lord's will. Paul was determined to fulfill his assignment and to avoid distractions or sins that could control him.

Though we will never reach perfection on this side of eternity, we can strive to live purely, both inwardly and outwardly. Are there things in your life—thoughts, actions, anger, bad habits, toxic or self-destructive motives—that control you and are not pleasing to our Savior? Is there anything preventing you from saying no to sin and yes to holiness? Holiness is not about outward appearances, but about what Jesus sees as He examines our hearts.

I encourage you to invite the sweet Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal what you can’t control. Ask Him for the strength to practice self-control daily. He will do that and much more if you would only ask!

~ Devotional by Rev. Feltus C. Frost