Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (KJV)
Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things." (ERV)
Galatians 5:22-23, " But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." (The Message)
Temperance.
According to the dictionary, 'temperance' is described as, "moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control. habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors." The thesaurus uses synonyms such as "constraint; control; discretion; moderation; restraint; self-control; sobriety" to describe the word 'temperance.'
Self-Control.
Self-control is needed in many areas of our lives. When I first read through Galatians 5:23, I immediately thought of our tempers and how we need to learn to exercise control over those; however, after reading the definition of what temperance truly is and reading more of His Word- He has opened my eyes to so many areas we need to exercise self-control. It is something we have to be dedicated to- dedicated to praying about it, putting it at the forefront of our minds.
Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a conquered city with no walls, so is a man who has no self-control." (The Voice)
A conquered city with no walls means that the area is no longer what it once was. Where once, families felt safe inside those walls, sleeping peacefully at night, organization, everything running on a schedule-- now, the city was being run by new occupants, taking what they want, ruining lives, taking away the peace and safeness they once felt. This is what it is like when we have zero self-control. We let other things take over our lives- our hearts- our spirits- and eventually, they are no longer our own.
I've been there. I know it seems like I say that a lot, but trust me when I say- I've been there. I have let so much junk take over my heart and soul. It is true- when you give the devil an inch, he will take a mile. When you start turning your mind to things it shouldn't be thinking about- when you start putting things before your eyes that you shouldn't be watching- when you start discussing things that are inappropriate- when you start drinking heavily- when you start not caring about others..... he destroys everything around you because you no longer have walls around your city- your heart and soul.
The Message states, "A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out." (Proverbs 25:28)
We are no longer safe. Safe from the tricks, deception, lies, and darts of the enemy. The more we lose self-control, the greater the ability for those dangerous things like anger, wrath, bitterness, lust, jealousy, fear, arrogance, selfishness, etc. to sneak in. There's nothing keeping them out!
Self-Control Breeds Godliness.
2 Peter 1:5-9 states, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."
Paul instructs us to add faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to our lives. If we have these qualities and keep working on them- they will keep us from being ineffective in this life. If we do not have these qualities, we are only seeing what is in front of us as opposed to the bigger picture. We forget that we are washed and cleansed by His blood!
When we exercise self-control, the only thing it can breed is godliness. The more we control the things that can tear our spirit down- the closer we get to Him- and there is less room for those bad things to come in to our soul.
I'll speak on a personal level here- I've told my story over and over again- in 5 days, it will be 2 months since I've had an alcoholic beverage. I asked God to help me with my drinking because it was an obsession for me. It began to take over my life. It was all I could think about. I waited all day for my husband to call me and tell me he was on his way home from work so I could pour a glass of wine. I would have 4-5 glasses a night just to be able to relax and fall asleep. I would drink to the point of passing out- and this was just a Wednesday night. I became addicted to the feeling- the feeling of no anxiety when I was buzzing. But you know what- when I woke up in the morning- anxiety was still there. Hypochondria was still killing me. I was listening to my children tell me how scared they were the night before because 'Mommy passed out by the door and wouldn't get up.' I was losing my family. My lack of self-control was breeding ungodliness. My lack of self-control was breeding a terrible environment for my family. My lack of self-control was opening the door for horrible things to enter in to my spirit. My lack of self-control was tearing down all the walls God had built for years. My lack of self-control was causing me to justify sins.
My lack of self-control was destroying my life.
Until Jesus Christ came to my rescue.
Self-Control Breeds Peace.
Think about how many times we don't exercise self-control.... and think about how many moments and people are destroyed because of this.
Lack of self-control in an argument- destroy/hurt a loved one.
Lack of self-control with alcohol- chances are you say things you do not mean
Lack of self-control with eating- you feel sick within
Lack of self-control with your mind- you let fear, anger, wrath in and it begins destroying your soul
Lack off self-control in relationships- you may end up hurting someone you truly care about because you cannot control yourself
Lack of self-control with our words- gossip sneaks in and we tear down others
Self-control is not meant to be something that 'steals your fun'... self-control is meant to release GOOD things in to your life. It builds a wall around your soul and keeps the things that want to destroy your heart-- those around you-- your life.
Self-control breeds peace in all areas of your life.
Women- We are Called to have Self-Control As Well.
For some reason growing up, every time I thought about 'self-control' I immediately thought about tempers- anger- wrath. I'm not sure why I always equated this scripture with that, but it was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of self-control. I quickly thought about anger.
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul addresses the church concerning our outward appearance vs. what is inside our heart. He longed for these men and women to put aside what someone looked like on the outside and pay attention to their true character. Paul even addressed this women in 1 Timothy 3:11. Paul writes:
"Again the same applies to women in key positions; they should also be dignified, not backstabbing gossips but self-controlled and faithful to the core." (The Voice)
"Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything." (HCSB)
"In the same way, the women must have the respect of other people. They must not be women who repeat evil gossip about other people. They must have self-control and be women who can be trusted in everything." (ICB)
"In the same way, women must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything." (NCV)
Alright, Lord. I'll let You convict me right now-- I know I need it.
Women, we have been called by God to be examples- to our children, our families, our friends, our worlds. The first step to being this example is by exercising self-control. We can be tools- the key- to helping others in this life........ but so many times lack of temperance holds us back from that.
I can't tell you how many times my lack of self-control (especially when it comes to my mind) steals my peace- how many times I've let fear creep in at the store, in public, etc. when God COULD have used me to reach someone else, BUT my fear was too great. I couldn't focus on anything but my anxiety.
So, He has shifted my perspective. As I'm driving to the store, He reminds me: pray for your spirit, Alyssa. That it is open to those in need. So, instead of thinking about how scared and nervous I am, He helps me to pray. "Jesus, I can't do this alone. I ask that You put someone in my path today that needs You. That needs a testimony of Your goodness. I pray that You would push my anxiety aside so that I can be used by You. I can't be an example if I'm bound by fear. Release it today, Jesus. Help me to exercise self-control. Help me to put all my thoughts under Your subjection. In Your holy and precious name, Amen."
That's all self-control. Putting every thought, every action- under His subjection. What would Jesus think about my thoughts?. What would He think about what I'm preparing to do? Does it line up with His Word? Are my words getting ready to destroy someone? Will my actions produce horrible consequences?
Erwin Raphael McManus stated, "Behind real freedom there lies discipline."
God, we need freedom in our lives today. True freedom. Help us to discipline our lives, Jesus. Help us to guard our hearts and spirits from anything not like You. Help us to subject our actions and words to YOUR Word. I pray over our families today Lord- that we guard them- that we guard their eyes, ears, and hearts. I pray that discipline would build a wall around our lives that keeps the tools of the enemy out and Your goodness in. We love You lamb of God! Thank You for all You do for us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things." (ERV)
Galatians 5:22-23, " But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." (The Message)
Temperance.
According to the dictionary, 'temperance' is described as, "moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control. habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors." The thesaurus uses synonyms such as "constraint; control; discretion; moderation; restraint; self-control; sobriety" to describe the word 'temperance.'
Self-Control.
Self-control is needed in many areas of our lives. When I first read through Galatians 5:23, I immediately thought of our tempers and how we need to learn to exercise control over those; however, after reading the definition of what temperance truly is and reading more of His Word- He has opened my eyes to so many areas we need to exercise self-control. It is something we have to be dedicated to- dedicated to praying about it, putting it at the forefront of our minds.
Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a conquered city with no walls, so is a man who has no self-control." (The Voice)
A conquered city with no walls means that the area is no longer what it once was. Where once, families felt safe inside those walls, sleeping peacefully at night, organization, everything running on a schedule-- now, the city was being run by new occupants, taking what they want, ruining lives, taking away the peace and safeness they once felt. This is what it is like when we have zero self-control. We let other things take over our lives- our hearts- our spirits- and eventually, they are no longer our own.
I've been there. I know it seems like I say that a lot, but trust me when I say- I've been there. I have let so much junk take over my heart and soul. It is true- when you give the devil an inch, he will take a mile. When you start turning your mind to things it shouldn't be thinking about- when you start putting things before your eyes that you shouldn't be watching- when you start discussing things that are inappropriate- when you start drinking heavily- when you start not caring about others..... he destroys everything around you because you no longer have walls around your city- your heart and soul.
The Message states, "A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out." (Proverbs 25:28)
We are no longer safe. Safe from the tricks, deception, lies, and darts of the enemy. The more we lose self-control, the greater the ability for those dangerous things like anger, wrath, bitterness, lust, jealousy, fear, arrogance, selfishness, etc. to sneak in. There's nothing keeping them out!
Self-Control Breeds Godliness.
2 Peter 1:5-9 states, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."
Paul instructs us to add faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to our lives. If we have these qualities and keep working on them- they will keep us from being ineffective in this life. If we do not have these qualities, we are only seeing what is in front of us as opposed to the bigger picture. We forget that we are washed and cleansed by His blood!
When we exercise self-control, the only thing it can breed is godliness. The more we control the things that can tear our spirit down- the closer we get to Him- and there is less room for those bad things to come in to our soul.
I'll speak on a personal level here- I've told my story over and over again- in 5 days, it will be 2 months since I've had an alcoholic beverage. I asked God to help me with my drinking because it was an obsession for me. It began to take over my life. It was all I could think about. I waited all day for my husband to call me and tell me he was on his way home from work so I could pour a glass of wine. I would have 4-5 glasses a night just to be able to relax and fall asleep. I would drink to the point of passing out- and this was just a Wednesday night. I became addicted to the feeling- the feeling of no anxiety when I was buzzing. But you know what- when I woke up in the morning- anxiety was still there. Hypochondria was still killing me. I was listening to my children tell me how scared they were the night before because 'Mommy passed out by the door and wouldn't get up.' I was losing my family. My lack of self-control was breeding ungodliness. My lack of self-control was breeding a terrible environment for my family. My lack of self-control was opening the door for horrible things to enter in to my spirit. My lack of self-control was tearing down all the walls God had built for years. My lack of self-control was causing me to justify sins.
My lack of self-control was destroying my life.
Until Jesus Christ came to my rescue.
Self-Control Breeds Peace.
Think about how many times we don't exercise self-control.... and think about how many moments and people are destroyed because of this.
Lack of self-control in an argument- destroy/hurt a loved one.
Lack of self-control with alcohol- chances are you say things you do not mean
Lack of self-control with eating- you feel sick within
Lack of self-control with your mind- you let fear, anger, wrath in and it begins destroying your soul
Lack off self-control in relationships- you may end up hurting someone you truly care about because you cannot control yourself
Lack of self-control with our words- gossip sneaks in and we tear down others
Self-control is not meant to be something that 'steals your fun'... self-control is meant to release GOOD things in to your life. It builds a wall around your soul and keeps the things that want to destroy your heart-- those around you-- your life.
Self-control breeds peace in all areas of your life.
Women- We are Called to have Self-Control As Well.
For some reason growing up, every time I thought about 'self-control' I immediately thought about tempers- anger- wrath. I'm not sure why I always equated this scripture with that, but it was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of self-control. I quickly thought about anger.
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul addresses the church concerning our outward appearance vs. what is inside our heart. He longed for these men and women to put aside what someone looked like on the outside and pay attention to their true character. Paul even addressed this women in 1 Timothy 3:11. Paul writes:
"Again the same applies to women in key positions; they should also be dignified, not backstabbing gossips but self-controlled and faithful to the core." (The Voice)
"Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything." (HCSB)
"In the same way, the women must have the respect of other people. They must not be women who repeat evil gossip about other people. They must have self-control and be women who can be trusted in everything." (ICB)
"In the same way, women must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything." (NCV)
Alright, Lord. I'll let You convict me right now-- I know I need it.
Women, we have been called by God to be examples- to our children, our families, our friends, our worlds. The first step to being this example is by exercising self-control. We can be tools- the key- to helping others in this life........ but so many times lack of temperance holds us back from that.
I can't tell you how many times my lack of self-control (especially when it comes to my mind) steals my peace- how many times I've let fear creep in at the store, in public, etc. when God COULD have used me to reach someone else, BUT my fear was too great. I couldn't focus on anything but my anxiety.
So, He has shifted my perspective. As I'm driving to the store, He reminds me: pray for your spirit, Alyssa. That it is open to those in need. So, instead of thinking about how scared and nervous I am, He helps me to pray. "Jesus, I can't do this alone. I ask that You put someone in my path today that needs You. That needs a testimony of Your goodness. I pray that You would push my anxiety aside so that I can be used by You. I can't be an example if I'm bound by fear. Release it today, Jesus. Help me to exercise self-control. Help me to put all my thoughts under Your subjection. In Your holy and precious name, Amen."
That's all self-control. Putting every thought, every action- under His subjection. What would Jesus think about my thoughts?. What would He think about what I'm preparing to do? Does it line up with His Word? Are my words getting ready to destroy someone? Will my actions produce horrible consequences?
Erwin Raphael McManus stated, "Behind real freedom there lies discipline."
God, we need freedom in our lives today. True freedom. Help us to discipline our lives, Jesus. Help us to guard our hearts and spirits from anything not like You. Help us to subject our actions and words to YOUR Word. I pray over our families today Lord- that we guard them- that we guard their eyes, ears, and hearts. I pray that discipline would build a wall around our lives that keeps the tools of the enemy out and Your goodness in. We love You lamb of God! Thank You for all You do for us. In Jesus name, Amen.
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