The last, but definitely not the least, attribute of
the Fruit of the Spirit is self-control (egkrateia).
It is willingly submitting to the constraints of glory and grace. Though it may be possible, even permissible,
if it is not glorifying to God or beneficial to Him and others, it needs to be restrained.
The filling and flowing of the Holy Spirit makes this possible. Self-control is
simply self fully under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures:
- Proverbs 25:28
- 2 Peter 1:5-7
- 1 Corinthians 6:12
- 1 Corinthians 10:23
- 1 Corinthians 9:25
- 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
- 1 Peter 1:13
- 1 Peter 5:8
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6
- Titus 2:2-8
- Matthew 23:25
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Lord,
I admit from the get go that self-control is a big issue. It is not that I am
determined to do what I want to do or that I enjoy living an out of control
life. I sincerely desire a life defined
by willingness, not willfulness. That in itself is evidence that you are “at
work in me, both to will and work for your good pleasure.” (Philippians2:13) The issue is recognizing that I
control who or what is in control of me – my words, my actions, my attitudes,
my impact and influence in this world. That
is a frightening amount of power. And the
use or abuse of that power impacts more than just me. The more freedom I have,
the more powerful that power becomes.
Almighty
God, only you can handle absolute power.
That is because you have mastered self-control. You restrain your power
and your rights for our benefit. Distributing how much and when based on what
is in our best interest. You demonstrate that Godly self-control is the
selfless distribution of grace. I am often the recipient of that amazing grace.
That is something I tend to take for
granted instead of responding with the depth of gratitude due.
External
circumstances can put limits on some of the things that can or can’t be done.
On the other hand, anything and everything can be possible, even permissible,
but they are not always beneficial or constructive. Our power is employed when we drive, when we
spend money and our time, when we use the various things entrusted to us, when
we open our mouths, and especially when we interact with each other. We are
very capable of abusing this power for self-serving and exalting purposes. The right use of all that power depends on
submitting our hearts, mind and will to your control. Spirit enabled self-control
is self under control – under your control!
Lord,
my family desperately needs self-control as we interact with each other and function
in this world. Each of us needs to exercise self-restraint, and lovingly
encourage it in one another. Help us to
learn how to control our own bodies, desires and will, by consistently and
intentionally submitting these to you. This
requires taking every thought captive and running them through the filter of
glory and grace. It is as simple as asking, “Does this glorify you and benefit
everyone and anyone impacted?” An abuse and
lack of self-control is evident when what I do benefits only me or those I
choose.
May
we be self-controlled and alert, so that our spiritual enemy has nothing to
take advantage of. Through the filling
of your Spirit, you provide the ability to employ self-control as a wall of
protection around us. But it requires depending on you. O Lord, make us clear minded and
self-controlled, so we can submit to your will in all areas of our lives,
preparing our mind for action and firmly grasping your amazing grace.
Fill
us with your Spirit, Lord Jesus. Do whatever you know needs to be done, so that
your Fruit, the Fruit of Glory and Grace, is continually produced and
manifested in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. May all of these attributes be
manifested in our lives at all times and in all ways for your divine purpose
and glory!
Making
It Personal
This concludes the focus on the nine
attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit of Christ; nine praises and petitions;
nine areas of our lives that need the filling and flowing of the Holy
Spirit. If you have not already read
each of these prayers, I encourage you to do so. Each of the following is a link to that
specific prayer: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and (this one) self-control.
How did you make each of these prayers
personal?
In your current situation, are all nine
attributes being manifested?
If any aspect is lacking, which one(s)?
If any is lacking, is the Holy Spirit
truly filling and flowing in this situation or area of your life?
How has this focus on each of the
attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit, taken you beyond the familiar and
impacted your life? (I would love to
hear your response to this question. Please email your comments to comments@goingbeyondthefamiliar.com. Thank you!)
