What Does Self-Control Look Like?

Last words are meant to pack a punch. Think about it. When you need to talk to someone about something important, you typically don't lead with it. Instead, you talk about a list of other things, and then towards the end of the conversation you say, "Oh, and..." All the previous stuff was just a lead-in; an intro to the meat of the matter. 

In Gal 5:22-23 we see a list of the fruits; the outcomes or evidences of the Spirit's work in our lives.

I think self-control is mentioned last because without it, we are often robbed of the energy and motivation to properly exercise the other fruits. I can think back to many times when my lack of self-control…

· Robbed me of my joy

· Stole my peace and replaced it with constant worry

· Tested my patience 

· Caused me to question my abilities…I wasn’t very gentle with myself

· Made me short-tempered,

· Caused me to question myself…could I really be faithful to maintain my body as the temple of God?

Look back at the list above. Have you ever experienced any of these negative reactions? People often use the word willpower in reference to our ability to withstand temptation. But, this term lacks an essential element, which is the life-giving, empowering work of the Holy Spirit and the self-control that only the Spirit can enable. For this reason, consider asking God to enable you, through His Holy Spirit, to exercise more self-control in every area of your life, including your food choices.