The Difficult Skill

"The fruit of the Spirit is ... self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

"Self-control is not a popular virtue in our culture.  We are an instant-gratification, act-on-impulse, if-it-feels-good-do-it society.  ...  As Christian adults, we can fully grasp why it is so important to have control over our bodies, our energies, our motives, and our purposes; it is the only way we can truly be useful servants to God.  And yet, it is still such a difficult skill to master." - Dr. David Jeremiah

This is without a doubt a very perplexing subject in our society today.  Today's current societal influence is that "everything is okay".  Do whatever makes you happy, we'll accept it and maybe even promote it.  The government seems to lead this charge.  All moral compasses that promote a healthy, robust, society that includes strong middle class working families are demolished in a purposeful manner.  A self-controlled society is only as good as the self-control of the citizens.

Everyone struggles with self-control.  This struggle can be with everyday things: it might be the doughnut on the counter that is supposed to be for the kids; it might be in setting aside time to pray and read God's Word; it might be in intentional exercise - or the struggle might be with deep-down heavy things: it might be with viewing porn (one study asked 1,000 college men if they viewed porn and ALL said yes); it might be with idolatry; it might be with forgiveness; etc.  Self-control can apply to all areas of our life, therefore it is important for this to be one of the fruits in our life through the Spirit.

It is impossible to conquer self-control over sins without the person of Jesus and the Spirit of God.  Until a sin can be forgiven and lifted off your shoulders, it will always pressure you.  Then when you walk daily and the sin jumps out to grab you, the Spirit of God dwelling in you (if you're allowing Him to rule), will protect you and guide you safely.  Our greatest effort in self-control is to willingly submit daily to the Lordship of Jesus and purposely walk in the Spirit of God.  When we do this, all efforts of self-control in our physical lives can become a reality.  In fact, I can bear witness that some things that you couldn't find a way to answer will evaporate and disappear.  God still works in the miracle business and I bear witness of such healing.

Give your life to God today and walk closely in His Spirit and be self-controlled.