The Fruit of Truth

We have reached the end of our journey of “fruit inspection,” through the writings of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22.   If you found any of the previous manifestations challenging, then fasten your seat belt as you approach this final attribute of the spirit.  So, let’s dive together into “self control.”  While (self-most things), is usually challenging, self-control sits alone at the top of the list.  Perhaps it is because self-control is so vast.  We can exhibit self control when applied to our attitude with others, eating, activities, vices, even sleeping.  Few things escape the encompassing umbrella of self-control.  I find the challenge of self-control the greatest, in the moments when I need to exercise it the most. Self-control doesn’t give you much room to blow off steam, and never at another person.  However, only the wisdom of God could see how the insertion of self-control, would add balance to our life.  In fact, it balances all of the other attributes.  It’s like perfectly seasoning food, or doing something sufficiently, without being exorbitant  and going overboard.  Self-control carries within it’s grasp ”restraint.”  It can be clearly seen, that lack of self-control in any area of our lives can be damaging.  At the same time, when used as an offensive weapon, it becomes our greatest defense.  Interestingly, it is both an offensive and defensive weapon at the same time.  In a heated moment between two raging personalities, only self control can cool the moment, and control the escalation.  Perhaps the complexities and challenges of self-control, is  why God uses this as one of the marks of his children.  Goodness, patience and kindness could not manifest themselves without self control.  This week, be cognizant of moments in your life, and evaluate your level of self control.  Purpose to serve God and walk like Jesus.  The world can only see God through our self control.  Blessings.

~Lamar