"Engage the muscle." I hear this phrase repeatedly every time I go to physical therapy. The severe back aches I had while pregnant didn’t go away with delivery as I naively hoped, so I now find myself seeking the advice of others to alleviate my pain. Come to find out my abs aren’t very strong and don’t adequately support my back. The therapists patiently are teaching me to engage my abs before doing any type of work, using those muscles as a girdle for my lower back.

"Stacy, how about you walk slowly on the treadmill for five minutes to warm up?" the therapist mentioned the other day.

What? I ran eight miles yesterday and she wants me to walk slowly?

Almost sensing my thoughts, I heard that oft –spoken phrase yet again. "Engage the muscle." Agh. Apparently I can’t even walk right. I must relearn everything–how to pick up my son, how to sit, even how to chop vegetables or put away dishes. I shouldn’t have to learn these things at my age, I often find myself thinking. I know how to walk. But, I also know the pain I’ve felt for years and the many ways which it has hindered me. The cost is too great to not put their advice into action.

I find the same is true with self-control. I’ve lived a certain way for quite a while now–snapping at others when I’m worn out or beat up–and in my pride I don’t want to change. Why should I relearn something now? So maybe I’ve hurt a few people here and there, but I’m surrounded by gracious people who are quick to forgive my shortcomings. But, I’m beginning to take an assessment of the cost of forfeiting this valuable fruit of self-control. I can’t help but realize that it is worth every ounce of exertion. Just the look on my kids’ faces after I get upset at them for something that isn’t their fault shows me the value of utilizing this fruit. Scripture convinces me even more.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

The fact that the admonition to be self-controlled comes right before stating that the devil is ready to pounce on us suggests a direct correlation.  When we don’t exercise self-control, we put ourselves at greater risk of being devoured by the devil.  So many times I don’t want to demonstrate self-control.  I want to retaliate after being called hateful names.  It might feel good for that second, but not only do I have to ask for forgiveness afterwards, I leave myself vulnerable and open for attack.

Galatians 5:22 promises us that the Spirit gifts with us self-control. It is very much like my abs. The muscles have always been there but I never knew how to engage them to gird myself. Self control is given to us, but we must learn how to engage that fruit to protect ourselves.

I know it is hard to change our ways, trust me, I know. But there is so much at stake here. Engage the fruit!