Self Control

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:16-24 ESV).

There are those times when I read the Apostle Paul makes such straightforward declarations that it is nearly impossible to understand. Today’s reading is one of those for me. He simply says the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” I usually don’t have much trouble with love, joy, or peace; but, the others might as well be sitting on Mars! This is especially true with self-control. It is often difficult to maintain the balance necessary to accomplish the controlling of my desires in favor of wise choices. I almost always have a great reason for failing to restrain myself, though they are always rather empty upon any real examination. I mean eating a bowl of Cocoa Puffs for supper is quick, easy, and does have some nutritional value; but really, it’s not a good choice. A good choice can be made, even in the face of persistent temptation. Let me make some suggestions. First, recognize what your temptations are in your life. We all have a different point of weakness, and we are all relatively powerless to overcome them. Perhaps the first tenet of the Twelve Steps is best reviewed here: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable. Alone we are powerless against the temptations that so frequently present themselves. Being intentional about admitting that is the first step to overcoming them. Second, believe the Holy Spirit is powerful enough within you to take control over your temptations. The truth of this cannot be debated from the apostle’s declaration. While it is not easy, it is now possible to exercise self-control through the indwelling presence of Christ. Third, make prayer and meditation a regular daily practice in your life. The more you develop your relationship with Christ, the easier it is to draw on his power. This is done through prayer and meditation. Start with these and maybe Cocoa Puffs will be a thing of the past!