James

        Today I began a one-week study of the book of James.
        James is all about self-control. If he came back to life and followed me around for a day and did an analysis of my habits, I'm pretty sure the recap would go something like this:

        James: Girl, you need some control!
        Me: *flashes large smile* What do you mean? I'm controlled.
         James: I mean, you need to stop freaking out at every tiny thing. I mean, that episode with your brother? You thopped him over the head with your Bible because he wouldn't quiet down during your morning devotion. And what about when Emma came in your room? You screamed at her to get out before she even stepped in the door. Oh, and what about the..."
         Me: Oh. Yeah. But they have been bugging me all day long!
         James: What's that got to do with anything? And what about saying all those little words that your mother disapproves of? You know, gosh and sucks and stuff like that?"
        Me: *ducks head* You heard that, too, huh?
        James: I'll graciously not get into what you probably think in your head.
        Me: *cringes*

         So, I guess I've got a lot to learn.
         Self-control goes beyond simple actions. Self-control manifests itself in your actions, your body-language, your speech, your tone, your thoughts, everything.
        One verse that struck me especially was James 1:26-27, which says, "If anyone thinks of himself as religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
In other words, "If you think you're a good person, but you don't control what comes out of your mouth, you're lying to yourself and therefor to your heavenly Father. We are commanded to defy the world and show mercy." That is the fruit of religion.
         That is a good way, also, to know if you've truly put your trust in Christ as Lord.
It is not enough to sit on our rear ends and be lazy. That's another thing that James calls us to think on. James 1:22 &25 But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
          Friends, it is not enough to hear only. We are called to action. What better way to prepare for Spiritual Warfare than to carry out God's commands? This is our defense. Our preparation is our training in Righteousness. A man (or woman) cannot go into battle if he's out of practice. It would be foolish to try. What good is armor if you can't use the weapons. The Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, and the Helmet of Salvation don't do much good if you don't know how to put the Sword of the Spirit to proper use.
        Battle terminology and tactics do not come naturally. We have to learn them. Practice makes perfect, right? Not always. You will never reach perfection on this earth, but this is the process of sanctification. Gloryfication can't occur without sanctification, just as justification must come before sanctification.
I'd definitely recommend working through James, though, I'll warn you: he's not afraid of stepping on toes. :)