SELF-CONTROL
For the past few weeks we have taken an in depth look at the Fruits of the Spirit. We will wrap up our study this Sunday with one of the hardest, for me, the fruit of "self-control". Maybe Paul lists this spiritual gift last for a reason. It takes a lot of effort and discipline. And honestly, for me to practice self-discipline, I need help. I am like the dogs in the movie "Up" that are focused until Squirrel!! I chase a lot of life's squirrels. So I need for me to focus and stay the course, I need encouragement from others, guidance from those wiser than me, and most of all the power that comes only from the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is filled with stories of those who were self-disciplined. One that still "rocks my world" is the story of Job. Job was a very wealthy man with a large family living in Uz. The Bible tells us that he was 'blameless' and 'upright'. This well-to-do man, someone who seemed to have it all, loses everything, except his Faith and loyalty to his RELATIONSHIP with our Heavenly Father. He endured so much pain and suffering - but remained faithful. Even several of Job's closest friends instead of encouraging him, tell him that his misery has been brought on by sin and evil in his or his family's life. Job ignores them and depends upon the strength he has in this relationship with the Lord. And in the end, the Lord restores Job's fortunes - twice as much as he had before. And Job ends up being an 'encourager' to those friends who had been the opposite to him. Now that is an example of true self-control!
Life is a journey, an adventure, and there are going to be times where we are going to struggle. When I was younger, one of my favorite groups was the Imperials. They have so many songs with powerful, encouraging, and inspiring messages. And one of my personal "go to" songs of encouragement, and as I reflect - worship, is called "Praise the Lord". Part of the chorus of this song says:
Praise the Lord
For the chains that seems to bind you
Serve only to remind you
That they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him
Praise Him, praise Him
When you praise Him
When you praise Him
When you praise the Lord
Let us remember that we are not in this alone. Let us depend upon the strength we receive from the Holy Spirit to show self-control. This is how those binding chains in our life will fall from us and allow us to live freely and with purpose. He will even give us strength to not be distracted by life's "squirrels". And in doing so may others gain a real focus, see Christ in us and how we live, be encouraged and come to have a desire to know HIm as well. It worked for Job and it can work me and for you.
I hope you will join us this Sunday as we look deeper into the Fruit of the Spirit of Self-control. I look forward to seeing you. And Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
