Keeping a Check on Emotional Incontinency
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (1 Corinthians 7:5 KJV)
The Apostle Paul gives us an intriguing instruction in the verse above while teaching on marriage matters regarding sexuality at home between a husband and his wife. I want you to note the last part of the verse which says “that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” He knows lack of sexual control is a buffet table for Satan to work out his perfect plans to leading people into adultery.
The term “incontinency” here refers to the lack of control over one’s sexual desires. The term we are familiar with is “self-control,” a fruit of the Spirit. God wants us to be “continent” not only with our sexual desires but our emotions. Have you ever been so angry that you felt as though anger was building up pressure in your chest like a balloon that has been overinflated and about to burst without control? Godliness comes with self-control. Emotional incontinence is the first step to ruining our own very lives.
Satan knows that one of our greatest weaknesses as humans is the lack of control over our emotions and passions, especially sexual passions. He is investing billions of dollars to bombard our eyes and ears with sexually-charged information because he knows when that passion grows, it will surely bear fruit, except there is continence.
The Lord wants us to be continent with our emotions and passions. This control is a fruit of the Spirit because it is tough to do it by the flesh, that is, on our own. Is anger ruining your life or relationships? What about lust? Or maybe it is such a desire for unhealthy foods though we know it is destroying our body? What about fear? I had my own share of it until the Lord broke that bondage by His Word. Whatever the case, emotional incontinence is our own enemy. Walk in the Spirit, and allow Him groom self-control in your life.
MEDITATE
Are there any emotions or desires that seem to be taking you hostage?
APPLY THE WORD
The list continues on the damages that emotional or sexual incontinence causes in our lives and society. Do you know some people have lost God-sent spouses because of uncontrollable anger? I have heard of people who destroy their own properties when they get angry! You probably know of the many ways sexual incontinence has ruined marriages and caused untold pain. Satan knows what he is doing. However, the Spirit is your defense. Walk in the Spirit. Yield to His control, and He will produce self-control and protect you from the enemy.
PRAY
Ask the Lord to help you develop control over your emotions and passions in every area of your life.
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