Feb 28 – SELF CONTROL !

“gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5: 23).

Self-control is mentioned at the end of the list of spiritual fruits. Although it may be mentioned at the end, it is the chief among the spiritual fruits – one which is very important and one that can protect you. Self-control guards you against all harm, from presumptuous sins and from hades and from hell fire.

Apostle Paul writes: “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). This is true self-control. Even the first sin of the world, was committed due to lack of self-control. The entire human race was cursed because Eve lusted after the forbidden fruit, in the garden of Eden.

You should not run after your lusts, like a wild-ass that cannot be controlled. You should rather bring all your passions and desires into the rule of God, and be holy and chaste. This is the test of true self-control.

Apostle Paul insists the importance of choosing those with self-control, while appointing elders and stewards of the church (Titus 1:8). Neither God nor men of world can use someone who lacks self-control. Such a person cannot bring about any good but only evil. He will produce only bitter fruits and not the sweet fruits of the Spirit.

Consider an athlete competing in a race. He exercises self-control, disciplines his body and brings it into subjection, runs with a focus on finish-line to obtain the crown of victory. In a similar manner, you should also run the race that is appointed to you by the Lord, with self-control and with complete subjection of your body, in order to obtain the imperishable crown of eternal life.

You are running the race with Jesus as the goal, who is the author and finisher of your faith. While you are running like this, self-control is so very important to ensure that you do not drift away from your track. You should know how to rule and control your desires, thoughts and actions. Only then will you be able to win the race.

Children of God, the days are at hand for the Second Coming of our Lord. And without any further delay, you should run your race with endurance and self-control, and obtain crown of victory.

Verse for further meditation: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16: 32).