SELF CONTROL- Fruit of the Spirit

For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

              Being self-controlled is the very foundation for living a selfless and righteous Christian life that reflects Jesus Christ and brings glory to God. It is the ability to control our thoughts, emotions and actions amidst temptations and opportunities. Throughout the Bible God warns us that if we do not have self-control, we will be slaves to what controls us. It could be a sin, money or even anger and jealousy. 

             Choosing the right and neglecting the world amidst temptations could be difficult at times. Sometimes we may be put in situations where we might not be able to say ‘no’. That’s when self-control becomes a challenge. But the Bible tells us that we can have self-control by trusting and depending on God and being led by the Holy Spirit; it comes from the indwelling and transformation by the Spirit of God and it cannot be achieved by our humanness. But yet, Bible calls us to choose self-control. ‘Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled and sober in prayer.’ (1Peter4:7) God doesn’t act forcefully in our lives, but encourages us to opt for it. It is through our willingness, God works in our heart and renews our mind. We need to allow ourselves to be led by God, walking in obedience to His Word.

               One of the greatest powers exhibited by Jesus Christ was self-control. As God who took the form of man, Jesus gave Himself to the fullness of human experience. There were many chances and situations where He could have shown His divine authority and sovereignty; but still He chose self-control and humbled Himself to the point of death. That’s why we read in Hebrews 4:15 that, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” 

               If we desire the needs of self more than the will of God, we fail in self-control. Instead if we desire and long to fulfill the will of God than anything else, He gives us the strength to overcome this world. Let us choose not to gratify the desires of flesh but walk in self-control to fulfill the will of God. Amen!