“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
Because of our age and level of understanding at that time in our life, there was a certain manner we behaved that our parents observed and disregarded when we were kids.
However, as we started to grow older, they expected us to drop some habits. In this same light, when we were still in the world, there was a certain way we acted, but now that we are saved, God doesn’t expect us to act in that same manner.
As believers, self-control is a fruit of our born-again spirit, therefore, our lives should not be lived carelessly. We ought to keep our flesh and emotions under subjection because we have the Spirit of God living inside of us. When people see us, they should be able to spot a difference in our behaviour.
The truth of the matter is that there will be times when you will be put to the test and your flesh might want to get in the way of your actions and reactions to situations. At such moments, you must remember who you are and choose to walk in the Spirit.
This means that your response to situations must be a demonstration of the fruit of the Spirit in you and the life of God in you (Romans 6:4, Colossians 3:7-8).
To walk in self-control is to conduct your behaviour, emotions, and appetite in a manner that is of God’s Spirit in you (Ephesians 1:13).
Your mind must be full of God’s word so you can conduct yourself as you should. You are not to conform to this world; rather, our minds are to be renewed daily by the word of God. (Romans 12:2). To achieve this, you must meditate on the word of God (Psalm 1:3, 1 Timothy 4:15).
Just like Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When your heart is full of God’s word, it will be evident in your actions.
Moreso, when we see ourselves battling with anger issues or struggling with certain habits, we should understand that we have control over them. They do not have the power to shape our behavioural patterns because we are carriers of the Spirit of God.
As children of God, we have to understand that we are led by the Holy Spirit to always do what is right (Romans 8:14)
SAY THIS: I do not struggle with taking the right actions, I discipline myself to behave according to the word of God. I apply the word of God in every aspect of my life.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalms 108-110, 1 Chronicles 23-25