As we wrap up the series on the fruit of the Spirit, We look finally at the fruit of Self-Discipline. It seems almost like an oxymoron to discuss the Spirit’s power to make us people that control ourselves. But the truth is that our ability to live the disciplined life is a true testament to God’s spirit ruling in us.
Our society has made self and instant gratification not only acceptable but expected. We live in a time that allows us to binge watch entertainment, to door dash in every meal from almost everywhere. Amazon brings us what we want often in hours rather than days. We refuse to discipline our children; we tie the hands of our educators and law enforcement to punish sin and keep order.
It has become a world that is returning to the law of the jungle. Once again, God calls us to be different, We are to live lives that have order. We are to evaluate our lives based upon needs not desire. We are to watch what we take into our bodies and what we allow to come out of our mouths. We are to raise our children in an environment of love and order, so that they can function successfully in the chaos.
God tells us we are in a spiritual war. Spiritual wars require discipline for us to survive. Discipline does not remove the ability to have fun from us, it simply puts order in our lives that ultimately frees us from the anxiety and pain of living in a mess of a culture.
It is difficult. That is why God gives us the Holy Spirit to navigate through. We need simply to trust God and to seek His direction as we move forward with our lives. When we do seek His leadership, God will help us to order our steps in a way that brings us the most for our lives and our walk with Him.
Like the rest of the Fruit of the Spirit, self-control causes us to look more like God. If we can trust him to build discipline in our lives, we will be able to withstand the enemy’s and the world’s attacks.
God Bless You
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
I Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
Proverbs16:32
32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 26:28
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
Walking With God 