Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                          Day 100

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:12-13

Many kids and teenagers struggle with discovering and establishing their own identities. While developing their identities, they encounter pressures from peers and friends. These friends typically splinter off in various directions as they grow older. Meanwhile, parents hope and pray that as their children become more independent, they will choose to go along with their positive peers. Parents also desire that their children remember the lessons taught at home once they are on their own and being tested.

As believers, we have opportunities to reveal that we have embraced the teachings of our Heavenly Father. We face choices of whether to stand firm on His Word or to conveniently adopt common beliefs which we know do not align with His Word. Each of us can establish our identity as a follower of Christ or as someone who supports principles contrary to Christ. Whether by taking a stand on an issue or by simply conducting ourselves like Christ, we can reveal to the world on whose side we stand.

As we recognize our free will, acknowledge our legal opportunities, or even defend our legal rights, let us not allow our lives to endorse behaviors that contradict Christ. Let us resist temptations to follow popular opinions that forsake the ways of Christ. While we love others in word and deed, let us learn to stand against principles that are contrary to our God.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 97

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

The power of addiction is an enemy that many people battle throughout their lives. Addiction is not restricted to substances such as illegal drugs and alcohol. There are countless addicts of shopping, eating, sodas, prescription drugs, internet sites, etc. These addicts find momentary peace and solace in their addictions. Some try to move away from their addictions, but struggle to find peace outside of the dead end nature of their habit. Ultimately, they usually face the inevitable consequences of their actions.

For many of us, it is not a clinically recognized dependence that we face. It is the power of compulsions like anger, impatience, peer approval, and financial irresponsibility that serve as our albatross. No matter who we are, we all fight against the addictions of our flesh and carnal minds.

A key step in Alcoholics Anonymous is the recognition that there is a greater power. As believers in Christ, our primary tool in fighting personal addictions should be the greatest Power. When we are spiritually-minded, we seek ways to evade circumstances and places where we may revert to a carnal mind. At times, this may even require counseling to help us implement God’s will.

When we are spiritually-minded, we avoid dead end futures in exchange for a peaceful eternity. This eternal peace always proves to be more gratifying than any temporary physical or emotional satisfaction. Let us seek to recognize the addictions that weaken us. Let us become spiritually-minded and find peace. Let us pray to embrace the fruit of self-control in all facets of our lives.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 98

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:38                 Matthew 26:41

How many times have we promised to begin doing something we believed to be good? Whether to eat better, exercise more, or even to get more rest, we often recognize positive changes that we can make in our lives. Conversely, there are also times that we commit ourselves to never doing something again. Indeed, many Christians have temporarily broken from the addictions of their eyes, hearts, bodies, or mouths, but find themselves once more overcome by temptation. Though willing and full of good intentions, we often encounter our weaknesses in the midst of our efforts to progress forward.

Jesus prescribed a simple formula for victory over our weaknesses - “watch and pray.” For some, “watch” may mean to “watch out” for the triggers that come in various forms such as certain old friends, books, magazines, websites, restaurants, or emotional vulnerabilities. Let us not forget that when we pray and remain focused, we can maintain self-control. We can keep our minds on the One who will give us strength and guide us away from the pull of our weakened flesh.

Just like the disciples in Mark 14:38 (Matthew 26:41) who grew weary when they were physically present with Jesus, we too may struggle with the things that tempt us. We will have victories and defeats. However, let us continue to watch and pray for Christ’s guidance, so that we may have self-control and strength through Christ.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 99

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

Matthew 6:22

Many children sing songs (both spiritual and secular) without recognizing the power of the lyrics. One such song is “Be Careful Little Eyes (What You See).” This generations old song, by an unknown author, describes how small exposure to inappropriate things may later develop into larger problems. The musical group Casting Crowns described this as a “Slow Fade.” 

How many of us have experienced the slow fade from a momentary temptation that eventually led to sin? How many have gazed with envy that led to hate, told small lies that led to betrayal, or maintained a secret friendship that led to an emotional affair? We can slowly fade in a variety of ways.

When we draw close to temptation, we may find it difficult to readjust our eyes or minds away from that which is ungodly. We soon find our minds, money, and bodies out of place. Yes, we strive to close our eyes and ears to these trappings; yet, the best way to control our exposure is to control our proximity to the things that lead us close to sin.

Like a farmer plowing a field, let us keep our eyes on a fixed target so that we will follow a straight path. With Christ as our target, we can avoid distractions. As children sing, “be careful little eyes what you see,” let us set our sights on Christ and the life God intended for us.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com