“…I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…” 1 Corinthians 9:27

I recently heard a sermon where the pastor encouraged his listeners that we are in charge of our own bodies. Our body, our flesh, does not control us; it speaks loudly and complains ever constantly, but it is not our master. Therefore, we are to put it in its place. As Paul says, we are to discipline the body and bring it into subjection.¹

There is a candy basket at my office. It is filled with individually wrapped chocolates, berry flavors, and mints, and…it sits very near my work space. It is so easy to fulfill the craving of the flesh that wants that chocolate bar. But constantly eating sweets is not good for me. I had to tell my body “no.” Every time I glanced at the basket I would shake my head and turn back to my work. For the first few weeks this was a great challenge, but as the days went by, and I continued to practice self-control, it became easier. Now my body knows that even though it may want one, I am in charge.

This battle with the flesh is an ever-constant battle, a daily struggle. But we do not have to fall to it. When we practice self-control we exercise authority over the body, and we implement and grow a fruit of the Spirit.² And that will benefit us, not just here on earth but eternally too.

I pray the Lord strengthens you in the areas of your life that need to be put into subjection.

Your sister in Christ,
Charisa

1. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ↩︎
2. Galatians 5:22-23 ↩︎

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