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The Fruit of the Spirit WORD series- Self Control


You guys unanimously shared that self control was one of the attributes you struggled with most. In tonights discussion I will talk about what self control is and why its needed. This topic will continue the rest of the week. You can access it here or on my blog. I will place the link in the comments. Ask questions as you see fit. I will answer as many as I can.

Self control means regardless to my situation, surroundings, circumstances or human influences nothing will make me step outside of myself. I control my responses and I take responsibility for my words and actions. The mention of the term self-control undoubtedly brings to mind different images for people depending on their particular circumstances. Many probably think of combating dominating habits that can range from the simple to the more complex and debilitating. It may be as simple as a poor diet or a tendency to overeat at Thanksgiving, or talking too much. It may also be something more serious like chain smoking, drunkenness, drug abuse, sexual sins, a quick temper, a pattern of exaggerating or lying. Others may think of tendencies toward losing control and becoming abusive. Yet others need self-control because they are lazy or have poor work habits while others are workaholics and need self-control to back off and learn to relax.

Regardless, self-control is very much related to maturity or lack there of. One of the basic characteristics of infancy is a lack of self-control. Not only do babies need diapers, they must be carried because they lack the necessary control and muscle coordination to sit up much less walk or run. If a baby is healthy and normal, in time they will develop more and more self-control—a sure sign of growth and maturity.

The importance of self-control can be seen in the news media which graphically portrays how the lack of self-control, because of man’s various inner cravings, impact our society for evil. Plainly, when men and nations turn away from God (knowingly or unknowingly) and seek significance, security, and satisfaction through the desires of the flesh, it leads to a blatant absence of self-control. This will then manifests itself in hundreds of ways with devastating results on individuals, families, and on society as a whole. Imagine the state we would be in if Jesus had lost His self control while up on that cross. Now imagine the damage we do when we lose ours and the effect it has on our relationships, families, churches, children and society.



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