Self-control is a trait that all successful people share. And it’s necessary on your Life Palette to assure that you live life as the masterpiece God created you to be. The more you are able to live in self-control the more you will reach your full potential. When you lack self-control you are defenseless: “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT) Lack of self-control makes you vulnerable to defeat and discouragement.
Good News:
The good news is that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…self-control.” (Gal 5:22 NLT) When we choose to give ourselves to God and live as His masterpiece, we may feel as though we are losing control. The reality is that He empowers us with a self-control that is not attainable without Him in our lives.
Self-control Grows:
Notice that self-control is a fruit of God’s Spirit living in us. There is a big contrast between works and fruit. Fruit is not manufactured; it naturally grows out of life, and in your case as God’s masterpiece, life in the Spirit. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Galatians 5:25 NLT)
Unlike works, fruit is not a result of labor, toil, effort and strain. It is the natural unfolding of the masterpiece life that God has created you to live. Take a moment and prayerfully ask God to cause the fruit of self-control to grow and be evident in your life today through His Spirit. Self-control is good! It is not self-mastery as we are often led to believe. Rather it is the power and presence of God working in and through us to live life as His masterpiece.
Your Feedback:
If you have questions or comments about this blog or the book Life Palette, please post them below. I would love to have you join in this conversation about self-control. How do you struggle with self-control being self-mastering versus a fruit of the Spirit?
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