Galatians [5:22] “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
How is it that Self-Control is a part of the Fruit of the Spirit? Self-Control comes from yourself, Right? This seems to be a contradiction in some way. The Fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians [5:22]-23 is one fruit, as we have mentioned earlier, with various parts. Since Self-Control is included, let’s figure it out.
Self-Control may be defined by its extreme opposite – Self-Destruction. The Bible tells us that as we have God’s Spirit within us as Christians and as we allow the Spirit to work in our lives we will begin to have self-control. We will have the ability to control ourselves. Restraining from what is bad and also choosing to do what is good.
As we move further from that what things may begin to be seen in our lives? First it might be small things like acting inconsistently or lowering your expectations. Then being easily taken advantage of, a pushover, unable to say no, or lowering your guard. Follow this with being obsessive or indiscrete. Being addicted to _______. Fill in the blank with drugs, porn, etc.
The spiral continues downward until you reach self-destruction. If we can understand this as a Spiritual problem, it helps. The devil is alive in the world and he seeks to destroy people. We must have God’s Power through the Spirit to be able to stand against him. As you see a person making a series of destructive choices in their life, it will help to know that what they need is not your advice on dieting or exercise. They may need a new set of friends or help getting off drugs. But what they really need is to have a closer relationship with God. Or if they have no relationship with God, then they need to be introduced to Him.
Since none of us is God, then none of us is going to have perfect self-control. We are going to lack in some areas. How can you today get closer to God and closer to being the very best version of yourself? How can you help other people around you to do the same?
As we head into the Thanksgiving Holiday it is a privilege to bring to you this opportunity for self-reflection. This series of devotions are written by Harriet Bowman and allow for us to consider the work of God’s Spirit in our lives.