FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: DO I HAVE SELF-CONTROL?

Words flew out of my mouth like sparks from a wood burning stove. Not pretty words. They carried the heat of my anger from the deepest root of my hair down to the tip of my longest toenail. Good thing I live alone so the wrath of my venomous mood fell on no one else’s ears.

God heard. He heard me utter His name. He did not hear me speak it in prayer. I mumbled it in vain, in frustration, in self-recrimination for my bad choice. My foolish oath to an inanimate object left me feeling ridiculous, embarrassed, defeated.

I toss the necessary items into my shopping cart at the grocery store, paper products, household cleaning agents, pet food, vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains. I should head to the check stand and on out the door. However, I cave to the temptation to top off my haul with all those non-nutritious foods that satisfy my unhealthy cravings but contribute nothing but calories to my already obese body.

A week later, I’m lamenting the fact that the number on my scales has crept up and my clothes are gradually becoming a little snugger.

A friend calls and after a few minutes of chit chat, I find myself gushing out that tidbit I heard about so and so that I promised I would not share. After all, she knows I’m telling her in confidence, so she won’t pass it on. Never mind that the information was provided to me with a vow that I would not repeat it.

When the facts come out of what really happened, I’m backtracking, apologizing, and promising myself that I will never pass on another piece of gossip.

All of these scenarios reflect lack of self-control.

Our self-control or lack thereof affects those around us as well as ourselves. A spouse who succumbs to alcohol or drug abuse, infidelity or extravagant spending tears a family apart.

A co-worker who ignores his or her health costs the company decreased productivity through poor concentration on the job, sporadic attendance, and extra work for other employees.

A gossip creates insecurity within organizations, weakens friendships, and inflicts emotional pain on others.

Self-control is one of the fruits of the spirit for a reason. A person who possesses self-control demonstrates an even-tempered character, a healthy respect for his or her body, and a trust others can rely on. Without these traits, we can’t expect others to see the light of Christ shine through us.

A tree cannot produce fruit without the sustenance of water. Likewise, we can’t develop the fruit of self-control without the living water of Jesus.

Our sinful nature is so strong that it fights for dominance in our spirit because the one who feeds our selfish desires is relentless. He embeds his lies so deep into our minds that their poison festers in our heart and blinds our spirit to the healing power Jesus offers.

We can’t overcome the temptations that beckon to us in the daily challenges of life without the strength of Christ in us. Like a thief who waits for the opportunity to rob an unsecured home, the moment we turn our eyes from Jesus, we let down the barrier that protects us from Satan’s destructive influence.

Moments after uttering those venomous words, I speak God’s name in reverence, praying for His forgiveness, asking for help to meet the next situation with calm and common sense.

I pray for the wisdom to make good choices the next time I enter the grocery store.

I implore the Lord’s strength to speak only words of kindness and encouragement and to keep my mouth shut when I should.

Here are a few Bible verses to help build self-control:

For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it – Romans 7:18 (RSV).

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age – Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)

For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 1:5-8 (RSV)

God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled – 2 Tim 1:7 (CEB).

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV).

By Patti Shene

https://pattishene.com/theover50writer

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