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.

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