22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23
This list of spiritual fruit makes my head spin. Rating myself next to it’s claims, I fall so very short. The one that continues to wreck me is “self-control”. This is an easy one to disguise. Many have the appearance of such a virtue without actually having the wherewithal underneath the surface. Physically, many are in shape, eat right, and seem to run a disciplined schedule. Yet, when it comes to spiritual discipline, they are a complete mess. This is because it is impossible to have such control where it counts most without the work of the trinity. Naturally we want to sleep in and eat out. Naturally we so readily want to run towards a life selflessly unhindered. The call of God is always a disciplined and daily death to ourselves.
Where do you need self-control?
I would like to say my prayer life and study habits are heavenly, but they are not. I have followed Jesus for a decade and still cannot seem to get to saint status. Yes, part of this is being critical of myself, but there always seems to be a form of truth in our self critique. I have learned to continually humble myself by asking for His help. I cannot study or thrive in any spiritual act without a complete miraculous overhaul of my desires. Left to myself, I always choose myself and you do too.
Today, pray for the fruit that comes to those who love Him.
Matt simon blog 