“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: …self control…”

                                                                                                                           Galatians 5:22a

 

“Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.”                              Colossians 1:29 

 

It's time for self-control!

 

Self-control… we all have a specific reaction to the phrase, don’t we? It would seem that many of the troubles in our lives stem from the lack of self-control. The term “self” control as part of the fruit of the Spirit is almost an oxymoron. As a “fruit section,” it is control of oneself, but not controlled by oneself. The definition of the original Greek word properly means “dominion within.” When the Holy Spirit dwells “within” us, it is through Him that “self” is controlled.

 

We can be quite sure that self-control is one of the biggest areas that our world wrestles with. Think of all the “self-help” books that are available. There’s a book for just about everything; the topics are varied and broad. Here’s a few of the things we can help ourselves with if we can just find the right “secret” or “formula”: Self-Esteem, Weight Control, Anger, Mood Control, Anxiety and Phobias, Stress Management, Depression, and on and on and on… Here’s another list to look at, addictions, things people can’t restrain themselves in: Gambling, Alcohol, Sex, Work, Drugs, Television, Games, Food, Nicotine, and this list, too, goes on and on and on…

 

The reality is, controlling one’s self is extremely difficult. I don’t know about you, but even if I dig my heels in and find the determination to do or not do something, it eventually can still end in failure. There are things that we can, and do, overcome by these means. There are some pretty impressive success stories of people who have conquered some huge addictions, habits or insecurities. But no one can control all the things within themselves that need to be controlled. The most “together person” we know, cannot keep themselves in check all the time in all areas of their lives. It’s just not possible.

 

The term “self-control” is evidence in itself that there is a battle raging: There is something my “self” wants, but I need to “control” that desire. As Christians, it is now a “faith battle.” The fruit of the Spirit is self-control. We have the gift within of the Holy Spirit. We have a resource that wants to produce in us the “fruit section” called self-control. It doesn’t mean the battle will be easy; it doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with those things that we selfishly desire. But it does mean that we have Someone bigger to put our faith in to overcome them.

 

I, within myself, can’t control “this” issue, but do I have faith that God the Spirit, dwelling within me, CAN? If I do, it is a victory of God’s faithfulness and power, not mine, that will testify to those around me.

 

Reminder: We are known by our fruits… (Matthew 7:16a)