Spirit-controlled self-control

I have determined to display self-control.

Part of the motivation is that at a certain point sin simply becomes ridiculous, and I say to myself, "Enough! This is stupid."

Another motivation is to live in accordance with 1 Pet. 2:3-11 where we find, "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with... self-control."

Most times when I determine to do something I follow through, just because of my personality (or maybe German blood). In this case though I knew something had to be different. Here's why: should I overcome sin because of my determination, I might become quite proud of myself. "God must be proud of me! Aren't you pleased with me, God!" would be my response. Something isn't right here.

A part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is self-control. So I have come to understand that only when I am in submission to God and "drunk" (Eph. 5:18) in His Spirit can I be empowered to display self-control. It is also important to consider what precedes "for this very reason" in 1st Peter 2. Then I came across this quote of Charles Spurgeon, "Beware of mistaking excitement for the Holy Ghost, or your own resolutions for the deep workings of the Spirit of God in the soul."

With this, the response to a moment of sin overcome becomes, appropriately, "God must be proud of Himself!"

That I find fascinating.

Popular Posts