Curbing One's Passions

[OneOfTheMany]

I am writing this so that all users of this forum, both Christian followers and others can join in this discussion.

I have a simple question...
We all have certain passions that drive us to do certain things, or feel certain ways, etc...
Passions or desires can be helpful for many things but sometimes they can become overbearing.
When our impulses and passions get the best of us, how do we move to temper them?
How can we master our passions before they master us?

 

[Brenda Morgan]

I am writing this so that all users of this forum, both Christian followers and others can join in this discussion.

I have a simple question...
We all have certain passions that drive us to do certain things, or feel certain ways, etc...
Passions or desires can be helpful for many things but sometimes they can become overbearing.
When our impulses and passions get the best of us, how do we move to temper them?
How can we master our passions before they master us?

Depends upon your passion.
What particular passions did you have in mind?

 

[GrayAngel]

I am writing this so that all users of this forum, both Christian followers and others can join in this discussion.

Actually, only Christians are allowed to respond here, besides the OP.

I have a simple question...
We all have certain passions that drive us to do certain things, or feel certain ways, etc...
Passions or desires can be helpful for many things but sometimes they can become overbearing.
When our impulses and passions get the best of us, how do we move to temper them?
How can we master our passions before they master us?

Depending on the passion, there are a number of things we can do. One important thing is to avoid feeding that passion. Once you do, it grows stronger, demands more.

Praying to God for strength is essential. But don't expect God to do all the work for you. Seek help from the trustworthy people God puts in your life.

But everyone will give in to temptations at times. Even Paul said "I do what I don't want to do, and I don't do what I want to do." We'll never be completely free of sin until we've met our new bodies in Heaven.

 

[drich0150]

I am writing this so that all users of this forum, both Christian followers and others can join in this discussion.

I have a simple question...
We all have certain passions that drive us to do certain things, or feel certain ways, etc...
Passions or desires can be helpful for many things but sometimes they can become overbearing.
When our impulses and passions get the best of us, how do we move to temper them?
How can we master our passions before they master us?

Know that you will never be able to completely curb your passion for sin no matter what form it takes. This is something Paul struggled with and was not able to master.

Romans 7:13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Paul tells us we are a slave to our sins but in no way are we to surrender to them. That is why we are told to "Fight the Good fight."

 

[St_Worm2]

I have a simple question...
How can we master our passions before they master us?

Scripture memorization should certainly be considered. With it you can fill your mind and heart with God's Word so the HS can more effectively use it to guide you, protect you, and keep you from sinning (see Ephesians 6:10-17). It was particularly helpful to me in taking control of my thought life as a young Christian.

The Navigators make something called the "Topical Memory System" which is helpful and gives you two verses to memorize per week. It also helps to find a friend to practice it with.

Your and His,
David

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.
Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:9,11​

 

[Nanopants]

Fasting helps.

I wouldn't over do it though.

A false sense of self-righteousness is far more dangerous.

 

[razeontherock]

Fasting helps.

^ ^ THIS.



Cannot be overstated!

 

[berachah]

Actually, only Christians are allowed to respond here, besides the OP.

Depending on the passion, there are a number of things we can do. One important thing is to avoid feeding that passion. Once you do, it grows stronger, demands more.

Praying to God for strength is essential. But don't expect God to do all the work for you. Seek help from the trustworthy people God puts in your life.

But everyone will give in to temptations at times. Even Paul said "I do what I don't want to do, and I don't do what I want to do." We'll never be completely free of sin until we've met our new bodies in Heaven.

sound advice!

fasting and prayer also breaks strongholds

 

[salida]

Prayer and fasting. Also, focus on what is the most important priorities and your passions will follow. Remind yourself of them. Give them to the cross.

2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (when strange thoughts pop up in my head-I sometimes put a skeleton and bones on top of it).