This is the last characteristic for a reason! Having self-control is way easier when the other eight traits are present! Self-control can simply be seen as walking in step with the Spirit.
Beth Moore states, ‘Self-control is the decision to remain within the boundaries of victory.’ Or as Proverbs states, a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (Prov 25:28). Physical discipline and spiritual discipline are connected. While I don’t want you to focus on controlling and tracking and restraining the physical aspects of your life, there is value in applying self-control to all areas – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual!
But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
Romans 13:11-14 MSG
I loved this statement from our YouVersion reading plan: ‘But the soil of God’s love in Christ is rich enough to produce all the self-control you need.’ Amen! The fruit of the Spirit is definitely not natural . . . BUT GOD! But His soil! But His Vine! But His Living Water! But His Light! But His Pruning! But His tender care! But His faithful promise of growth and abundance!
Stay connected, Friends! The fruit-filled freedom will follow!
Holy Barre 