Self-Control
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ”
Hello Bride of Christ,
The internal battle for self-control requires an external power to gain restraint. On the surface, it might seem logical to pursue self-control by trying to control oneself. We create rules and boundaries if we struggle with impulsive actions or addictions. When we fail and fall prey to our temptations, we shame ourselves. Then we try again. Relying solely on ourselves to gain control. Creating this negative cycle progressing us towards isolation. The more we fail in “self-control” the heavier the weight of shame becomes. We retreat, giving birth to self-deprecating thoughts and false theology. Our miscalculated battle plans leave us warring against the wrong enemy.
Self draws from the flesh. Paul pens to the Galatians, self-control seekers, “now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contention, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambition, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like” (Galatians 5:19 -21). Utilizing self, flesh disguised, to overtake the flesh leaves us with flesh, even when victorious. Proverbs 25:28 paints the picture, “like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” Your city (self) requires walls built on external power to triumph over the self-control battle.
Paul writes, “but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” (Galatians 5:22) illuminating the gift of self-control given by the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit naturally yields self-control. If this fruit is lacking, how do we recalculate battle plans?
Bride of Christ, repentance, turning back towards God, communicates an understanding heart. “If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) God acknowledges our sorry and restores us. Battle plan recalculation step one - REPENT. Restore your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Then pray. Prayer, openly communicating with the living God invites the Holy Spirit to come and take control. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7). Recalculation step two - PRAY. Pray without ceasing. Pray about all things. Build a life on prayer. Lastly, recognize the Holy Spirit’s power. The Holy Spirit gifts self-control to those who are in a relationship with Him. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1-2) Recalculation step three – SUBMIT. Recognize He is the shepherd and you are His sheep. The shepherd responsible for guiding knows the path. We the sheep are encouraged to follow. Struggling with self-control? Pick up your new battle plan. Repent. Pray. Submit. The Holy Spirit waits!
