Fruit of the Spirit :: Self-Control

What a ride it has been looking into the Fruits of the Spirit these past few months. I have taken each fruit and really looked at what it means to me. Looking back, I can see where I have learned and where I have grown. I can also see where I am still falling short, but, with the help of God, I hope to be able to bear fruit the glorifies Him.

This last week, I am taking a look at the fruit -- self-control. Self-control, as according to dear Wikipedia, can be seen as the ability to control ones emotions and desires, is the capacity of efficient management to the future. In psychology it is sometimes called self-regulation. So, in other words, when we act out on our desires, when we act out on our emotions, we are not in self-control.

According to Proverbs, a lack of self control can be detrimental:

"A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls" (Proverbs 25:28)

To me, this is very powerful. Can you believe that when we are not in control of our emotions and desires we are defenseless, we are vulnerable to attack? What a great time for the enemy to enter and deflate who we are.

So what can we do?? How can we work to possess self-control?? How do we maintain our own city with strong walls??

First, we need to rely on God for His help in our self-control.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philipians 4:13)

Second, we need to learn to control our words and how we lash out at one another, we need to listen to one another before we overreact and judge, and we should be slow at becoming angry.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)

Third, we need to realize that we have a choice in how we react. We have a choice in our actions. God has promised He will never give us more than we can handle, and even when we think we have reached the point of no return, He will give us a way out...a way to regain self-control:

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Remember self-control is a choice. We can choose to react in a way that is not glorifying to God by giving into temptation and sin, by using our words incorrectly. Or, we can glorify Him in all we say and do. The choice is yours, and with His help, I believe we can glorify Him and bare the Fruit of our Spirit.

Remember to check out what Carrie has to say about Self-Control. And, if you missed any of the other fruits, be sure to check them out.