This is the last "fruit" listed in Galatians 5......self control. Wow, this is a biggie. Mastering this one is tough, but with the Lord's help, we can do anything. My study Bible tells me that when we practice self control, we restrain from passions and appetites. In other words, we don't do what we want to do at the time. We are to restrain from fleshly desires rather than be controlled by them.
Whenever I have a day off, or get off work by 3pm, I like to go to Turkey Hill for a coffee. This is the highlight of my day.....I know, I need to get out more often, but coffee makes me happy in the afternoon. :) I go there and talk to the workers and people getting coffee around me. I would say I am a "regular" there. I know faces of the workers and customers, but not names, and that is ok. Anyway, if I had self control in this coffee area of my life, I would stay home and not go. I would be able to not gain weight from all the flavor and creamers I put in to make it taste oh so good. I would save the money if I would deny myself this little pleasure in the afternoon, but I don't. I have no self control when it comes to my coffee time. I do switch it up and go to Dunkin Donuts sometimes, or Sheetz, but Turkey Hill is my favorite. This is a passion of mine.
According to this verse, self control is a learned quality.....just like the rest of them. My coffee time is a menial thing to have self control over, but it's an area of my life I enjoy and practicing self control with it is hard to do. Again, we need the Holy Spirit's guidance and help to manifest this fruit in our life. Other areas we may struggle with self control? Well, I think they are different for every individual and it depends on ones desires and passions.
Maybe you get angry quick and want to punch someone in the face?
Maybe you have a hard time letting harsh words go and want to get even?
Maybe you have a passion for food?
Maybe you love listening to secular music with a lot of cuss words?
Maybe you love to be lazy?
Maybe you work too much?
Maybe you spend too much money shopping?
Maybe you spend too much time texting or messaging people?
Maybe you are on Facebook more than you should be?
Maybe you play too much games?
Maybe you lust after someone you shouldn't?
Maybe you have a passion for animals?
Maybe you have a passion for watching TV?...like Little House?
Practicing self control for each person is different. Some things that I struggle with may not be the same as someone else, but never the less, we can do better in this area of our life. We are taught at my work an acronym....
S. - Stop
T. - Think
A. - Act
R. - Review
This may seem silly, but we use it to double check ourselves before we encounter situations within the job. But, this could be used anywhere.....especially with self control. I want my coffee in the afternoon, but I could.... Stop (before I get in the car) .....Think ( do I really need it ).....Act (maybe stay home and forget about it for the day)....and Review (my decision). Maybe I could read my Bible instead? Maybe I could call my friend and tell them how much I love them? Maybe I could hug my husband? Maybe I could text my kids and tell them what they mean to me? Maybe I could pray and ask God for help? Yes asking God is the BEST choice of them all!
When others see us with self control in hard situations, they will see Jesus in us. They will know we are different and that we answer to our God for our life and do not live how the world does.
Thank you Lord that you know our struggles. Thank you that you are patient with us in those struggles and even though self control is hard, I praise you that you love us anyway. I praise you that you still use us in spite of ourselves and our lack of self control. I praise you that you and the Holy Spirit cultivate these fruits in our lives. To you be all honor and glory! <3
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