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This week’s word of the week is about self-control. It is the final characteristic listed in the fruit of the spirit but it is a very important fruit we need. Self-control is the ability to govern our emotions, desires and actions according to God’s will. With a world filled with temptations and distractions, self-control is essential for living a life that honours God.

So what is self-control? Self-control is the spirit-empowered ability to say ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to righteousness. Self-control is mastering our thoughts, words and actions so that they align with God’s standards rather than our own impulses.

So why do we need self-control? To overcome temptation, to live a disciplined life and to reflect Christ’s character.

Temptation is inevitable but self-control helps us to resist it – 1 Corinthians 10:13 “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.�

To live a disciplined life is a struggle with the world and circumstances of doing ungodly things which are now the ‘new normal.’ But think of athletes, they train to win so as they discipline themselves with the constant training and cutting down on things that may prevent them from winning, we ourselves should discipline spiritually. Cut out the bad friends, the bad relations, the bad addictions, the things that we know are wrong but still doing. Discipline is not only a sacrifice to God but also to ourselves, for us to be better in the mind, body and spirit.

Self-control distinguishes believers from the world, it shows that we are governed by God’s spirit, not by our fleshly desires. In Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.�

So how do we develop self-control? There are 4 significant roles we can do in our daily lives to develop. You need to rely on the Holy Spirit, Renew your mind with God’s word, pray for strength and practice discipline.

Rely on the Holy Spirit – Self-control is not merely about human effort, it is the fruit of the Spirit. We must daily surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Renew your mind with God’s Word – The word of God strengthens or resolve to live righteously. Romans 12:2 ‘Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.’

Pray for strength – through prayer we receive the power to resist sin. This will deliver us from sinning and immoral behaviours that may convince us.

Practice discipline – just like physical muscles, self-control grew stronger with practice. We must be intentional in resisting temptations and making Godly decisions.

Self-control is a vital part of Christian living. It enables us to resist sin, live wisely, and reflect Christ’s character. It will require discipline, it ultimately comes from Holy Spirit’s work in us.

Let us commit ourselves to living Spirit-led lives, exercising self-control and walking in the victory Christ has given us. Written by: p.abi