Walking in the Spirit brings forth the fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul lists self-control as the final fruit of the Spirit. This placement raises a question: why is self-control mentioned last, and why is it often considered lightly despite its profound importance? Self-control is indeed the most challenging fruit to cultivate, yet it is crucial. The scripture highlights that this fruit is not something we can produce on our own; it must be cultivated by the Holy Spirit.
Self-control is a fruit that requires us to first pay close attention to ourselves—our thoughts, reactions, and behaviors. It is mentioned last because it is the most difficult to develop and sustain. Self-control is pivotal in aligning our responses with God’s expectations and in maintaining composure in challenging situations. Cultivating self-control involves being consistently self-aware, allowing us to respond differently than the world might expect. It means resisting the flow of worldly tendencies and following the Spirit’s guidance.
The Holy Spirit does not force Himself where He is not wanted or sought after. As a result, many people struggle to experience the full fruit of the Spirit in their lives. When the Spirit intervenes, He initiates profound changes within us, affecting our mind, thoughts, heart, and behavior. For instance, the Spirit influences our spending habits and eating patterns, encouraging us to be more intentional and diligent in our daily lives. These changes help us to glorify God in every aspect of our lives.
When the fruit of self-control is fully developed within us, it brings about a profound transformation. It instills a sense of certainty and molds us into vessels of the Holy Spirit. This transformation allows us to respond more naturally and subconsciously in ways that reflect God’s character. Understanding our identity in Christ Jesus helps us to see, think, and act more like God.
Self control is doing the things you don’t like doing because you understand the reward that the action is supposed to bring forth, its treating people in a way that they don’t deserve because they have caused you pain, but you still bring forth this underlooked fruit of the Spirit. Its living a life filled with discipline, not because you are being monitored, but because your are monitoring yourself. In summary, walking in the Spirit and cultivating the fruit of self-control is a transformative process that requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit. This discipline influences every area of our lives, aligning our actions with God’s will and contributing to our overall spiritual and personal growth.
Key Aspects of a Disciplined Life:
- Discipline Places a Greater Value on Essentials
Discipline helps us prioritize what is most important to our vision and purpose. It allows us to focus on these crucial aspects, despite any pain or difficulty, because we understand their significance for our future. - Orders Priorities Intelligently
Discipline enables us to prioritize our activities and manage our time effectively. By focusing on what is most important, we can allocate time and effort accordingly. - A Disciplined Life Operates by Schedule
Creating and adhering to a schedule helps us manage our activities based on their importance and urgency. This structured approach ensures that we are productive and efficient in our endeavors. - Functions Without Supervision
True discipline fosters the ability to perform tasks independently, without needing constant oversight. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we can act with integrity and purpose. - Makes the Most of Time
Time is a critical unit in shaping our destiny. A disciplined individual values time and avoids wasting it on activities that do not contribute to their future goals. Effective use of time is essential for achieving our destiny. - Spiritual Fitness and Discipline Flow into All Areas of Life
Spiritual discipline impacts various aspects of our lives, including our eating habits, finances, emotions, mental health, planning abilities, and the execution of God’s will and purpose. The Holy Spirit empowers us to transform our habits and lead a well-ordered life that reflects God’s glory.
