The Power of Self-Control
One component of of the fruit of the Spirit is 'Self-Control' also known as 'Temperance'. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23, New )King James Version).
As children of God we have to develop this fruit and choose to operate in it. Unless we set limits in our lives, without well-defined boundaries, many people go above board; they cross the line. We cannot run our lives based on feelings. We have to discipline ourselves to do things that are not always convenient, simply because we are committed. Everything is permissible for me; but not all things are helpful. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power (1 Corinthians 6:12). This passage speaks volumes about the power of self-control. If we do not have self-control, our emotions will rule over us and lead us into trouble. Self-control is to live in moderation. It takes commitment to exercise self-control. The secret of victorious living is discipline or self-control.
The areas where we need to discipline ourselves and set limits in self-control are endless and include:
We must set boundaries in our lives in order to exercise self-control; He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls (Proverbs 25:28). When a city is without walls, the enemies come in. This is a good description of a person without self-control. Esau could not control his appetite for food; he sold his birthright and lost his inheritance. Samson could not control his lust for women; this cost him his life and ministry. Do not be caught in this web. Develop this fruit so that you do not lose your destiny.
King David and even his son King Solomon both lost control of their desires for women. The consequences are there in the word of God for all to peruse and learn from because all truths are parallel. Everything in life takes quality decisions, self-control and discipline to make it happen. Therefore, it is time to rise up and exercise the power of self-control. We shall meet at the top.
Words of Wisdom
As children of God we have to develop this fruit and choose to operate in it. Unless we set limits in our lives, without well-defined boundaries, many people go above board; they cross the line. We cannot run our lives based on feelings. We have to discipline ourselves to do things that are not always convenient, simply because we are committed. Everything is permissible for me; but not all things are helpful. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power (1 Corinthians 6:12). This passage speaks volumes about the power of self-control. If we do not have self-control, our emotions will rule over us and lead us into trouble. Self-control is to live in moderation. It takes commitment to exercise self-control. The secret of victorious living is discipline or self-control.
The areas where we need to discipline ourselves and set limits in self-control are endless and include:
- The use of our tongue (James 3:2), so as not to cause, or fall into trouble (Proverbs 21:23);
- Anger (Ephesians 4:26, Proverbs 16:32),
- Appetite (Proverbs 23:2),
- The use of our body (Colossians 3:5),
- Our thought life (Proverbs 23:7) etc.
- Spending habits, the friends we keep, places we go, entertainments, the type of television programmes we watch, the use of our time etc
We must set boundaries in our lives in order to exercise self-control; He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls (Proverbs 25:28). When a city is without walls, the enemies come in. This is a good description of a person without self-control. Esau could not control his appetite for food; he sold his birthright and lost his inheritance. Samson could not control his lust for women; this cost him his life and ministry. Do not be caught in this web. Develop this fruit so that you do not lose your destiny.
King David and even his son King Solomon both lost control of their desires for women. The consequences are there in the word of God for all to peruse and learn from because all truths are parallel. Everything in life takes quality decisions, self-control and discipline to make it happen. Therefore, it is time to rise up and exercise the power of self-control. We shall meet at the top.
Words of Wisdom
- The product of lack of Self-control is carnality.
- Refusal to exercise self-control puts you under, instead of, in control.
- A foothold, if not stopped, can become a stronghold.
