Who Can Control Self-Control?

“We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more… For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter,.. as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

“Now… you have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands,..  so that you may walk properly before outsiders.”

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1,3-8,9-12; 5:6b-8

“The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” Galatians 5:23

Paul loved the churches, and longed for their holiness. His letters were primers on the process of sanctification: a unique, mysterious, and powerful blend of the Holy Spirit at work and human body, mind, and spirit cooperating in surrender, discipline, and obedience. He urged specific abstinences and behaviors while reminding them they were indwelt and helped by God’s Spirit. Self-control in all matters and interactions was a call and commandment that required commitment and constant dependence.

Most people like to control external surroundings and schedules, and might do a decent job if no one interrupts or makes demands. But self-control, the measuring and keeping of temper and passions in line with the holy, honorable will of God, is a different discipline. It requires an intention to please the Lord God instead of ourselves, a determination that contradicts natural impulses and emotion. Our very flesh desires that burn are contrary to the pure inclinations of God, so the struggle for control is real.

And it is demanded of children of light! Self-control is an integral fruit of the Spirit, evidence and expression of His presence within. How is it manifested in our lives? Where is it missing? The One who calls us to holiness will enable us as we work with and abide in Him. Christ took on the penalty of our sin so we can shake off its power in our day to day. (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

In what areas- of temper, lust, language, indulgence- is self-control clearly lacking? Do we acknowledge these transgressions are an affront to God and harm others? Where and how can we begin to implement a quiet heart surrendered to the Lord’s sway, a shielding of faith, compassion, love, and hope that guards against errant desires, actions, and reactions? How will we cooperate more fully, and gladly, with God’s sanctifying Spirit?

Lord, keep me in constant synch with Your Spirit, under His control, to Your glory.