Breaking Free from What Controls Us

How many times have we started a diet, determined to stick with it for a few days, only to have our goals derailed? It could be something as simple as a social event filled with tempting foods, or maybe after a long, stressful day, we just needed something comforting. Or perhaps we were so busy that we didn’t even have time to take a break and think about making healthy choices.

Life happens, and sometimes our best intentions can quickly get sidetracked by unexpected challenges.

This doesn’t just happen with diets—it can happen with any goal for self-improvement. For example, maybe we are trying to stop using bad language when things go wrong,

and we’re determined to speak only positive words. Then, frustrating situations pile up, and before we know it, we slip and say something we didn’t want to. Every time we set a good goal, the devil tries to steal it from us, making us think we’re helpless to our own bad habits. But the truth is, “we can only conquer these struggles through Christ, who gives us the strength to do all things.” Philippians 4:13 KJV. The good news is we can succeed in every situation with the Holy Spirit giving us strength to succeed. 

Scripture

"I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything. — 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

Reflection:

In this passage, Paul is addressing the Corinthians, who were using their freedom in Christ to justify certain behaviors. While they believed they had the "right" to do anything, Paul reminds them that not everything is beneficial—and more importantly, they should not allow anything to control or master them. Specifically, Paul mentions food in this context, but the principle applies to all areas of life. While eating is a necessity and can even be enjoyed, it should never become something that dominates or controls us.

Paul's statement, "I will not be mastered by anything," is a powerful declaration of self-discipline and freedom. Food, while necessary for survival, should never have power over us. This could apply to any number of things—habits, desires, or even seemingly innocent activities that can take control if left unchecked. It’s not just about food; it’s about anything that becomes a "master" over our thoughts, actions, or decisions.

The Bible warns us about allowing anything other than God to have mastery over us. It calls us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who leads us into true freedom. When we let things like food, substances, emotions, or unhealthy habits take control, we surrender the freedom Christ has given us.

What Else Does the Bible Say About Control?

1. Romans 6:12 (ESV):
   "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions."
   This verse warns us not to let sin or harmful desires take control of our lives. If we allow sinful behaviors or patterns to dominate, we are no longer living in the freedom Christ died to give us. We must reject anything that tries to reign over us.

2. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV):
   "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."
   This verse speaks to the importance of self-discipline. Without self-control, we leave ourselves vulnerable to being overtaken by unhealthy desires, just as a city with broken walls is exposed to attack. Maintaining self-control is crucial for protecting our hearts and minds.

3. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV):
   "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
   Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, He produces this fruit in us, helping us resist the things that try to control us. Self-control is one of the key ways we can maintain our freedom in Christ.

4. 2 Peter 2:19 (NIV):
   "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for 'people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.'"
   This passage highlights the danger of being enslaved to anything that has mastery over us. When we allow something other than God to dominate our lives, we become slaves to it, losing the freedom Christ has offered us.

Declaration:

I declare that I will not be mastered by anything. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am free from anything that seeks to control or dominate me. I choose to live in the freedom Christ has given me, exercising self-control in all areas of my life.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the freedom You’ve given me through Christ. Help me to identify anything in my life that is trying to control me—whether it’s food, habits, emotions, or other desires. I ask for the strength and self-discipline to break free from anything that seeks to master me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, producing the fruit of self-control in my life. I choose to live fully in the freedom You offer, honoring You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.