Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.

                                                                                                            Proverbs 25:28 

From the title, you might be tempted to think that we will be discussing what it means to be self-centered, only caring about our own affairs. But actually, today’s passage is reminding us that to have control over our lives actually serves our own interests. In other words, we do ourselves a favor when we conduct ourselves in a sober, emotionally sound, and controlled manner. This is the final of the fruit that comes from the Spirit of God: self-control.

Self-control comes as a result of yielding our lives to the power of the Spirit but this control involves every aspect of our being. First, for control to take place, we must be sound of mind. The very things that we believe about God, about ourselves, and about life greatly affect the course of our lives. If we are under a false doctrine of some sort or another, we will begin to mimic that philosophy. But if we are being influenced by the truth and promises found in scripture then we will be able to align our thoughts with what is right, true, and powerful.

Secondly, our emotional state must also be stable. When we find ourselves being tossed back and forth, we know that we are suffering from some sort of emotional upheaval. The Spirit of God not only brings security to our thought life but He also brings peace, security, and stability in our emotions. When we cannot control our emotions, we open ourselves up for disappointment and possible manipulation by others.

For example, when a man has a quick temper and he allows stressful situations to propel him into a combative, belligerent response, he will find himself at odds with just about everyone in whom he comes in contact. As the proverb states, he then opens himself up to be controlled by others. The reality is that he is a slave to his anger but in the very truest sense, this man who is quick to get angry can be manipulative by just about anyone. Yielding ourselves to the power of the Spirit brings soundness of mind and stability in our emotional state.

Finally, self-control is all about our actions. But our actions are dictated by the way we think and the way in which we handle our emotions. The three are inseparable. That is why we should heed the instructions given to us in scripture. Consider the following regarding the importance of self-control:

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

                                                                                                            Galatians 5:14-15 

Since Christ has fulfilled everything necessary for us to gain eternal life, we are to now fulfill the Law by placing our faith in Him and then loving others. To do less is to prove that we are seeking another way in which to access heaven, none of which exists. But when we yield ourselves to the good news and fully appreciate and receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus, we are then able to handle others in a self-controlled manner, proving ourselves to be Jesus’ disciples and a people living in the power of the Spirit.

It really is in our best interests to be self-controlled. But like all of the other fruit, this outcome comes only as we yield ourselves to the power of the Spirit of God!