Real with Rue

A battle won in a long war:

One thing I had when I came to Christ was a temper, which was accompanied by harsh profanities as a result. The same gift for words that God had given me, I was also able to use to curse when I was hurt or angry. My friends bought this to my attention and helped to deal with my swearing issue. I had become so used to F word here and S word here, that it was something I did not even realise I did. So, they created a swear jar, and after many many financial penalties, I started to draw more attention to the language I use, thinking carefully before I spoke. I am definitely not perfect, best believe I am still a little shady and outspoken, but I have parameters particularly making use of my notes app, journaling and prayer as an outlet for my anger.

Why is it important?

Self Control is a fruit of the spirit. It may seem simple, but controlling my language is a form of self-control, which I am using to build in other areas such as sexual discipline, through delayed gratification of my flesh. Today, many people say their Christian with their mouth but Jesus says you shall know them by their fruits – what they actually produce (do). Personally, I find self control an attractive attribute in any person, romantic and platonic, because it shows discipline of your flesh. In a fast-paced-generation which desires things in an instant, the ability to control your sinful desires and short term gratification is rare these days. Imagine a situation where you could have had better self control and how different the outcome could have been?

How to instil Self-Control:

1. Know your areas of weakness, easy to say but I didn’t know I was such a potty mouth till my friends pointed it out. If your friends don’t, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life that are not pleasing to him.
2. Be aware of your triggers – when it comes to sexual discipline I guard my eyes, ears and heart, from the music I listen to and even blocking certain words from my social media so I am not triggered.
3. Be prepared to be in pain – when it came to swearing, the swear jar cost me £62, which as a uni student is a lot of money back then. I suffered a financial loss, but now I am a better communicator. You may even have to get away from certain friends or stop doing things you love, but again Matthew 5:29*
4. Pray and have knowledge to Gods word– the bible says ‘Keep watch your enemy is prowling, waiting’ – the devil loves to keep people in cycles and when you decide to break it.
5. Know why you are doing this – For example lack of self control with food- the consequences can be various health issues and complications.

It’s been real,

Rue

*Matthew 5:29 – If your right eye causes you to sin, it is better to gouge it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than your whole body be thrown in hell.