Spirit of Self-control 

Most of us would claim to have some degree of self-control. We exercise it when we turn down that second portion of dessert. We recognise it in the runner pounding the pavement at dawn, long after many of us have given up on our new year’s resolutions. When we look at the achievements of top athletes and master craftsmen of our day, it does seem as though self-control can, and therefore should be developed through sheer willpower. After all, ‘self’ makes up half of the word!

If self-control is just another word for discipline and self-management, then why do we need the help of the Spirit to develop it? The Bible says in Romans 8:7, “Our desires fight against God because they do not and cannot obey God's laws.” While we may be disciplined enough to pursue our own desires, it is a very different picture when our desires come into conflict with God’s! Can we remain kind to someone who has betrayed us or forgive a spouse who has been unfaithful? Indeed, when it comes to obeying Jesus fully, many of us would echo Paul: “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15)

The good news is that God has already given us a spirit of self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). But how can this be so, when we still struggle with anger, pride, and envy? Using modern-day jargon, God’s own nature has been programmed into us through His DNA at the moment of our adoption, and the Holy Spirit works in us to finish the full installation! “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) and “...He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

All that is needed from us is to keep responding to the gentle directions from the Holy Spirit and to keep drawing near even when we are tempted to disconnect from His presence. Let us keep choosing to stay in fellowship with the Spirit today, until we change as close friends do, taking on His likes and dislikes so that what used to require self-control will joyfully become our own nature!