"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . . self-control . . ."
Galatians 5:22-23
Our lives are out of control when bad habits, addictions, fear or other people control us. A car out of control is dangerous to us and others, so it is with a life out of control. It is God's will for us to have self-control. It is the fruit of His Spirit working in our lives. He wants us to be responsible in making decisions. He wants us to make our own choices, and we are responsible to Him for those choices. Our decisions result in consequences. We are accountable.
Self-control must not be confused with selfishness. We all know that selfishness is wrong. When we are selfish, we lose self-control to the "flesh." The apostle Paul says much about this in Romans 7. However, self-control gives us the opportunity to make choices in a responsible way.
- Self-control is the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
- Self-control is Christ living in us through the Spirit.
- Self-control comes as we yield to the Spirit of Christ.
Realize that letting bad habits, addictions, fear or other people control our lives is sin. It rejects God's design and purpose for us. Let us confess it as sin, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us in such a way that we will have the fruit of self-control. The Spirit of Christ can set us free. He honors our choice. Ask Him to set you free.
Father, may Your Spirit grant us self-control through Jesus Christ.
