For our last look at the Fruit of the Spirit, we now focus on self-control.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23
The world is all about image. What you say, how you say it, what you do, what you wear, how you look, etc. All these are what the world tries to focus on. More often than not we find ourselves caught in the middle of it all. What do I see more and more Christians doing in response? Compromising. Compromising their faith, lifestyles, morals, etc.
By this point you are probably wondering what this has to do with self-control. Well, self-control which can be also self-discipline, has everything to do with compromising. By allowing ourselves to conform to the world's ways, we are expressing no firm self-control.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
The bible is clear on self-control. God gave us the ability of having free-choice. We can easily be swayed to doing something the world thinks is right that is sinful in God's eyes. Or we can choose to keep our eyes on Him. Hence why it is called self-control. It is because we know what something is lawfully and spiritually wrong; therefore, we have the ability to decide whether we restrain ourselves from doing what everyone else is doing, or knowing to exercise control over what we should see or hear or do.
It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus
Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5
For example, the latest movie rated PG-13 is out for bad language and a brief sexual moment. Everyone has seen it, saying it's the best movie ever, and that you have to see it. Do we then give in to their pressure, not wanting to appear foolish in their eyes? Or do we remember when to draw the line, knowing Christians should never compromise to watch stuff like that in the first place?
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28
So how do we overcome this? By remembering we have God on our side; pray to Him for help whenever you get in situations where you feel your self-control is 'lax'. We are constantly exercising this fruit. It is one we should never be with out. So make sure you are rightly exercising it.
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13
Are you demonstrating self-control?
-Whitney
