Self-Control

The last of the nine fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is self-control. It is interesting that Paul puts self-control last. Other religions would put it first. Confucianism taught that self-control would help produce the “superior” man. Hinduism thinks self-control will produce the “realized” man. Stoicism thought self-control produced the “detached” man. Modern cults believe self-control produces the “happy” man. They all go about it the wrong way. We do not gain Christ through self-control; we gain self-control through Christ.

“Self-control” is used here as a byproduct of love. When you begin with love, you end up with self-control. If you attempt it the other way around, then you end up with a nervous breakdown. The self-control that comes by the Spirit is not a nervous, anxious self-control; it is a control that is unstrained, therefore beautiful. No wonder a great thinker said, “Love Christ and do what you like,” for when you do, then you will like what He likes. That’s the kind of self-control the Spirit gives. We delight to control what needs to be controlled because we desire to please Him.

Further Study

Mt 27; Pr 16:32; Rm 6:12; 2Pt 1:5-6

In what ways did Jesus display self-control?

In what ways do you show self-control?