For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                 2 Timothy 1:7 

Peter instructs us to have all diligence in the faith, adding to that faith, virtue and to virtue, knowledge and to knowledge, self-control. Today’s passage is a reminder that self-control is obtainable when we yield our lives to the Spirit of God. God has not given us a spirit of timidity (or fear, literally dread) but of power and love and discipline. The word discipline literally means “sanity” which leads some translations to use the term “sound mind.” This word brings with it the idea of moderation, the ability to not be controlled by anything. It would be the antithesis of addiction. Whether its drugs and alcohol, pornography, or anything else that may ensnare and control us, this spirit of discipline or self-control acts as a safeguard against such spiritual enslavement.

The gospel writers record for us an instance in which Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man. Arguably, this man was in the worst shape in which anyone on earth could be. He was possessed by many demons. He lived among the dead, he was uncontrollable, tormented, and an outcast from society. He screamed all day, hurting himself by gashing his body with stones. This is evil in action. Then Jesus comes on the scene and commands the demons to exit the man. Take a look at the result:

They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind…

                                                                                                            Mark 5:15 

The tormenting ceased. The man, formerly out of control, was now sitting down and in his right mind. This is the effect that the presence of Jesus brings to an otherwise chaotic situation.

Today, we see this type of tormented, chaotic behavior all over the globe. There are those who dedicate their lives to destroying as many other people as they can. Others go on a shooting rampage, only to take their own lives at the end of their tormented rage. Nations warring against nations, demands that society accept distorted philosophies, all contrary to God’s design for mankind. These are just a few of the ways that evil rears its ugly head, reminding all of us that we truly live in a fallen world. However, as believers, we are told not to worry about these things (Matthew 24:6). Rather, we should be a peaceful, loving people who live in a constant state of self-control. As we walk in daily fellowship with Jesus, He strengthens us to live lives free of the bondage that comes from the enemy. This freedom allows us to be a light in a dark world.

We should never underestimate the power of the name of Jesus. Where there is chaos, He brings order. Where there is hatred, he brings love. Where there is confusion, He brings clarity. And where there is despair, he brings hope! God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…

                                                                                           Galatians 5:22-23