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.

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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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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.

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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.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Reveal Your Fruit (1 Timothy 6:11-14) Day 101

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Ephesians 6:12-13) Day 100

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Matthew 6:22) Day 99

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Mark 14:38 / Matthew 26:41) Day 98

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

 Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Romans 8:6) Day 97

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

Self-Control                                                                            Day 96

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

The Holy temple of Jerusalem was built and rebuilt during the time of the Old Testament. It was the central place for the worship of God. It was tended to with strict rules and with special attention given to every detail. There were also strict rules utilized in offering sacrifices to atone for sins.

Now, because of Christ, there is no longer a need to make sacrifices in order for our sins to be forgiven. We do not even require a physical building in order to worship or fellowship with God. Each of us is a temple of God. However, do we treat ourselves with the care worthy of a temple of God?

Do we take the time to care for our temples spiritually or physically? Do we expose our temples to the filth of lust and sin in what we view and read? Do we abuse our temples with alcohol, drugs, or even food?

Let us not be careless with our temples. Whether physically weak or strong, it is the temple of God. Let us spiritually empower our temples regularly with spiritual fuel. Instead of being like the Israelite's who built but had to rebuild the temple because of carelessness and unfaithfulness, let us remain faithful and controlled with our temples.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (1 Corinthians 3:16) Day 96

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

Self-Control                                                                            Day 95

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11

There are many outward signs that may suggest someone has faith in God. Many people carry their bible into church services but never open the bible or read it when not at church. It is common to see people in public wearing necklaces with a cross or crucifix. Some people customarily tell others to “have a blessed day.” However, none of these surface expressions or actions require or guarantee that someone has received Christ into his or her heart.

Applying God’s Word in our lives is what reveals that we have received Him into our hearts - not things like acting, speaking, or dressing religiously. We should do more than just appear to have access to God’s Word. Let us consume and internalize His Word.

Possessing food does not prevent hunger. Having water available does not make someone immune to thirst. In circumstances like these, it is by consuming, eating, or drinking that we are satisfied and fulfilled. So, let us receive His Word into our hearts.

Let us tap into Him as the source of our self-control, so that we do not sin against Him. Let us become intimate with his Word such that it resonates within us and is revealed as the fruit of self-control. In order to have His Word in us, we must take time to read and receive His words. Let us protect His Word within us, apply it, and live by it.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control ( Psalm 119:11) Day 95

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

Self-Control                                                                            Day 94

Love . . . is not provoked,

1 Corinthians 13:5

What some describe as love causes many people to react in a variety of ways. Some are positively motivated by love to care for others, to strive through difficult circumstances, and to endure all types of challenges. Meanwhile, others negatively react according to their pride, vulnerabilities, or desire for control. They ultimately reveal their lack of self-control. Their emotions lead them astray such that they quickly become jealous, violent, or easily provoked.

Love that is easily provoked is love in theory, not love in practice. Being easily provoked reveals that we are not motivated by a love for others. It shows that we are simply using love as an excuse and tool to get what we want and to make ourselves happy, even if we must force others along. However, when we are not easily provoked, we can slow down and reveal that love is a consistent state of being, not just a behavior we engage in from time to time.

With self-control, we learn how to respond to each situation instead of just reacting. We take the time to respond to others with a loving state of mind and with loving attitudes. When love is our true motivation, we eventually learn to react with a pure, self-controlled love.

Let us commit ourselves to learning love as an instinctive reaction, when we might otherwise be provoked. With self-control, we can learn to love continuously, rather than just performing individual nice acts. God’s constant reaction to us is love. Let us exercise self-control and be more like Him.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

 Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (1 Corinthians 13:5) Day 94

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

Self-Control                                                                            Day 93

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

When we focus on our pasts, we all have numerous examples of failure and times that we have missed our mark. However, we are not alone. The bible is essentially a collection of failures and defeats that were eventually overcome through faithfulness to God.

Our past shortcomings occasionally may dissuade us from even attempting a new challenge. We fear yet another defeat. Though we do not doubt God’s power, the weight of our doubt and fear prevents us from moving toward our next victory.

Isn't it great to know that God’s fruit to us is not a spirit of fear? He has given us a spirit of power. He has given us a spirit of love. He has given us a spirit of a sound mind.

A mindset and spirit of power will allow us to have confidence in the midst of our challenges. The spirit of love in our hearts will keep us gentle towards others as we overcome barriers. A sound mind will keep us focused on the authority of God over our lives.

When we have daily time with God, we can refocus on His power and not on our past weaknesses. Through time with Him, we may control our fears and walk with a sound mind, in love, and with power. Through prayer and by meditating on Him, we can tap into these resources that God has given us and maintain our focus each day.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) Day 93

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

Self-Control                                                                            Day 92

¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Galatians 5:16-17

From September of 1971 to February 1984, a child named David Vetter suffered from a rare genetic disease that left him unusually vulnerable to illnesses. In order to prevent sickness, his bedroom was converted into a sterilized, plastic chamber that was created to protect him from harm. He commonly became referred to as “Bubble Boy.”

Few have ever lived in sterile, physical conditions like David Vetter. We all, however, must learn to avoid infectious temptations that threaten our spiritual health. Paul writes that for protection, we can submit to the bubble of the Holy Spirit.

When we walk in the Spirit, our thoughts are guided by those things that are spiritually pure and not just physically satisfying. The Holy Spirit will direct us away from the impulsive directions where our flesh lusts to go. Outside the bubble of the Spirit, we become more vulnerable to the fleshly temptations of our emotions, bodies, and pride.

Let us walk in the Spirit wherever we go. The Spirit is more than a plastic bubble. The Spirit is not limited to a particular building, church, or a room. So, not only can we walk in the Spirit, we can work, drive, and fellowship, all while we choose to find our rest in the Spirit’s bubble.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Galations 5:16-17) Day 92

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 91

 ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:10-11

Societies and cultures have a tendency of categorizing people, attributing a particular value to a person’s status, and classifying an importance on peoples’ lives. It is seen in our media when someone considered to have a high status experiences a tragedy. There is more attention given to that person’s situation than when the same event occurs in the life of someone less known. We see this done by income, communities, schools, occupations, group affiliations, etc. There implicitly seems to be a public declaration of who should be considered relevant or not.

No matter how others view our status, let us recognize that our social circles are not of ultimate consequence. Our temporary and artificial hierarchies do not really matter. There is only One who is and will always be number one, and we all have access to Him. It is “at the name of Jesus that every knee shall bow.”

Just as we know that He is superior, let us also acknowledge that His ways are superior, as well. If the Son of God was humble and gentle, then we have no reason to exalt ourselves above others. The risen Savior died for all of us.

 So, let us accept that at this moment, we are just as important in the eternal kingdom as any other person on Earth. Likewise, let us also recognize that everyone else is just as important as we are. No matter anyone’s status, wealth, or who they know, we all have an equal right to salvation through Christ.

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