The Fruit of the Spirit (9) Self-control
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March 14, 2010 |
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 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
The dictionary says self-control is restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. We can see in this world that those who do not have self-control make their lives complex and cause difficulties for themselves. The self-control can never be stressed enough for not only worldly people but also God's children.
1. The importance of self-control
The fruit of self-control, as in one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, does not simply refer to controlling ourselves from committing sins. The self-control as in one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit controls other fruits of the Holy Spirit to make them perfect. It is like an arbitration center that gives harmony and order, when other fruits of the Spirit borne in heart are shown outside.
Even when we pursue something good in the Lord, the most is not always the best. In spirit, too, we have to do everything in moderation following the desires of the Holy Spirit. We can prioritize work to be done first and that which can be done later. We can determine whether we should go forward or step back. We can have this kind of discernment through this fruit of self-control.
If somebody has borne all the fruits of the Holy Spirit completely, it means he is following the desires of the Holy Spirit in all things. In order to follow the desires of the Holy Spirit and act in perfection, we have to have the fruit of self-control. That is why we say that all the fruits of the Holy Spirit are completed through this fruit of self-control, the last fruit.
2. How can the fruit of self-control be shown?
1) If we bear the fruit of self-control, we will follow the order in all things.
We understand our position in the order. We understand when we should act and when we should not and the words that we should or should not speak. So, we don't do anything that is inappropriate or things that go beyond the limits of our position. For example, suppose the leader of a company asked one of his subordinates to do a certain work. This man is full of passion, and he feels that he has a better idea, so he changed some things at his discretion and did the work accordingly. Then, even though he worked with so much passion, it means he did not keep the order due to the lack of self-control.
2) Secondly, we can consider the contents, timing, and the location even when we do something good.
For example, to cry out in prayer is something good, but sometimes when you cry out in prayer, instead of giving God glory if you cry out without discretion, it may disgrace God. Also, when you preach the gospel or visit the members for spiritual guidance, you should have discernment of the words you speak. Even though you received much grace from a spiritual message, you cannot just spread it to everybody. If you deliver something that does not suit the measure of faith of the listener, then it may cause that person to stumble or pass judgment and condemnation. Likewise, even though you are doing something very good, you should consider all kinds of situations and exercise self-control.
3) Thirdly, you should not react hurriedly to situations, but calmly act with discernment.
Those who have no self-control are impatient and lack consideration for others. As they hurry, they have less power of discernment, and they may miss some important things. They hastily pass judgment and condemnation that causes discomfort for others. In particular, those who are impatient while they listen to or speak with others often tend to make many mistakes. We should not impatiently interrupt while someone else is talking. We should listen carefully until the end so we can avoid hasty conclusions. Furthermore, this way we can understand the intention of that person and react to it accordingly. Proper discernment that enables us to react appropriately comes from self-control.
Those who have self-control will not be easily shaken by other people's words. They can calmly listen to others and can discern the truth by the works of the Holy Spirit. If they discern with self-control and answer, they can reduce many mistakes that may be caused due to improper and hasty decisions. Then, to the extent that they exercise discernment through self-control, they will have authority and influence in their words, so their words can have a heavier impact on others.
3. How can we bear this important fruit of self-control?
1) First, we must have unchanging hearts.
If we cultivate truthful hearts that have no falsehood or deceitfulness, we can have the power to do what we decide to do. Of course, we cannot just cultivate this kind of heart overnight. We need to keep on training ourselves, beginning with keeping our hearts in small things. Once we make up our mind, we have to keep it without changing it to pursue personal benefit. As we continue this effort, we will finally have unchanging hearts and the power of self-control.
2) We should train ourselves to listen to the desires of the Holy Spirit, be led by the Spirit and not let ourselves go ahead first.
Before we start doing what seems urgent or good in our sight, we first have to try to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then, as we receive the voice and guidance of the Spirit, we need to obey it. If we always listen to the desires of the Holy Spirit and obey it all the time, then we can discern between even very delicate matters. With this discernment, we can always act in harmony and in order.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if you bear these fruits of the Holy Spirit, you will receive whatever you ask of God and you can prosper in all things by the attestations of God. I hope you will long for the fruits of the Holy Spirit more than any other treasure of the world and make them yours.
To read this message in more detail, visit our website (www. manmin. org) and click on 'sermon'.
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