Developing Self-Control

Written by Branda Polk

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, Holman Christian Standard Bible).

Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a great picture of how a person controlled by God’s Spirit should act. Of all the “fruit” many people struggle most with the fruit of self-control. Lack of self-control is a common excuse for not making wise health choices. We say, “I just couldn’t help it.” Or, “But I was craving it.” Yet, as we grow in our relationship to Christ, self-control should grow just like the other fruit do in our lives. 

Self-control is the fruit of the Spirit that allows you to say “No” to foods that are not beneficial to your body, and “Yes” to foods that will improve your health. Self-control allows you to stop eating when you are full and not gorge yourself. The fruit of self-control motivates you to go for a walk even when you really don’t want to and to go to the doctor for an annual check-up. Self-control helps you properly manage your stress. Self-control guides you to avoid “quick-fix” weight loss gimmicks that are tempting to try when you are struggling through a plateau. Self-control allows you to follow your doctor’s recommendations for better health and take medications regularly. Self-control enables you to turn off the TV and go to bed at a decent hour so you get enough rest.

1 Peter 5:8 gives us a strong reason to remain self-controlled in our actions. “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (HCSB). The result of a lack of self-control can be very damaging physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Lack of self-control can lead to weight gain, poor health, disease, stress related illnesses, and fatigue.

Self-control is also called discipline and both can be painful and costly at times but the long-term rewards are worth the short-term discomfort. When we allow the fruit of self-control to grow, we live directed, productive, and focused lives. Self-control is not something you can muster with enough willpower. Self-control is only found when we are Spirit-controlled. Allow the Holy Spirit to be prominent in your life as you study God’s Word, pray, fellowship with other believers and grow in Christ. Listen to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you through your wellness choices. When you are in tune with Christ and the prompting of the Spirit you will exhibit all the fruit of the Spirit and reap the benefits of a “fruitful” lifestyle.
 

Branda Polk, B.S. Exercise Science, is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, conference speaker and health writer in Lebanon, Tennessee. Sign up for Branda's newsletter, Wellness Connection, to receive encouragement and coaching in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress relief. Follow Branda on Twitter.

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