While self-control may not be a popular subject these days, its significance in our daily walk is invaluable. The Lord blesses His people by giving them the ability to develop self-control, so they can be protected from the whims of the flesh, the schemes of the enemy, and the pressure of the world.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
The Spirit of God comes to subdue fear and empower God’s people to live powerful, loving, and self-controlled lives. We are called to be bold in faith and at the same time live restrained lives. Many Christians look to be more powerful, but they are not necessarily seeking to be self-controlled.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
The fruit of the spirit has nine powerful characteristics, and one of them is self-control. If we have all the Godly character qualities but lack self-control, we will not be fully effective in life. Self-controlled people know how to use God’s gifts appropriately and in the right balance. In addition, self-control is an embankment to our passions and abilities. It enables us to be restrained in our strengths and weaknesses.
For example, if we are an organized person, we may have a tendency to be drawn to unorganized people and help them to get organized. While it is a blessing to assist those who need help, we need to to show self-control from rescuing our unorganized loved ones. This can cause them to remain dependent on us and others. This is especially important in raising children and ensuring that parents restrain themselves from doing things for their children to encourage developing healthy life skills.
I read a quote by Derek Prince from his book “The Coming Revival.” This quote sums up well the need for self-control: