Fruit

Self-Control

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Proverbs 25:28

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Why does God value self-control?

Imagine, you are a criminal looking for a house to break into. The house you identify is located in a high crime area. But what makes this house more vulnerable compared to other homes in the neighborhood? The house has no fence, no doors, and no windows. It is begging you for trouble.

Isn’t that the same with a person who cannot control their spirit and responses?

Have you ever noticed the difference between people? One person pursues immediate satisfaction while the other one sacrifices the present for a future reward. One seeks pleasure and the other fulfillment. Both want to be happy. One jumps from job to job, diet to diet, or bed to bed, without ever finding long lasting happiness. Yet another sacrifices immediate gratifications. Why? Because their aim is a worthwhile goal. When achieved it will grant them the opportunity to fulfill their hearts desire for the long term.    

The apostle Paul wrote his trainee Titus a letter referring to the importance of self-control. Since God showers us with HIS grace, learn to live accordingly. One purpose of grace is to train us in godliness – to reflect HIS character in all situations. As HE prepares us for eternity, self-control benefits us now with patience and strength to choose wisely in our pursuits and actions.

HE has given HIMSELF to us via the Holy Spirit living in us. The fruit of HIM living in you and I includes HIS attribute of self-control (Gal. 5:23). We have the honor and privilege to learn how best to exercise its influence. Yet, when we ignore HIM, HIS ways, and indulge in immediate self-gratification, we are falling short of reflecting HIS glory.

How can you draw closer to HIM and allow HIS self-control lead you?

One old-fashion practice is to fast. Fasting from food for 24 hours is learning to say NO to the self for a greater purpose. Instead, when the hunger pains arrive, one learns to pray. As we lean on HIM, HE gives us strength. Of course, if medical reasons prevents you from fasting, there may be other practices you may use.

Whatever addiction you face may be the item you refrain from part taking for a short period of time. In lieu, you spend more time praying when those desires hit you. The purpose is to learn how to lean on HIM when unwanted, immediate desires stroke you.

After you successfully practice such a discipline, you find yourself stronger and in control of the temptation you face.

Jesus Christ is our example of self-control. Read the gospel accounts and see how often HE refrained from exercising the authority HE had when confronted by HIS enemies. How easily HE could have destroyed them. But instead HE exercised self-control and allowed the fruit of the Holy Spirit be amplified.

Self-control requires sacrificing for the moment. And the long term benefits also far outweigh your immediate act of love when you reflect Jesus in all you do.   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Dr. Mike Life Tools , ,

Matthew 7:15-20

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit…Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

These past few months I found myself negotiating with a very successful business person on the purchase of a large real estate transaction. The deal never closed. Throughout the discussions, they would negotiate a fair deal but never live up to any of their commitments. They made promises but not once delivered on their word. After several attempts to finalize the deal, we walked away. How can you negotiate with someone who isn’t honest and doesn’t live up to their word?

Jesus discusses in Matthew how to identify false prophets. You can recognize them by their behavior. Their appearance may impress you, but what is the fruit of their life?

You can use the same analogy toward any person who comes to you looking like a saint, speaking like a saint, but whose actions don’t live up to their appearance. These are people who promise you anything and everything to follow them. Their intention is very self-centered and they have no problem using you for their personal satisfaction.

Most of the people we meet in life, we quickly (and most often wrongly) judge them by their appearance. Most of the people who we come to know through the media are presented to us from the bias of the reporter. We quickly make assumptions based on which tribe or education or social position or economic status they seem to belong too.

Yet most likely we are wrong. Until you spend time with a person, getting to know their worldview, their values, their life goals and ambitions, and how they manage themselves through a crisis, you are only guessing. Until then, you can only watch how their actions align with their words.

Politicians are in many ways today’s false prophets. They promise you freedom, but implement programs that enslave you to the state. They cast visions of utopia for you if you elect them, but at the end, they are building their utopia at your expense.

The fruit Jesus speaks about is the character attributes of the Triune God: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, humility, honesty, freedom, good work, etc.  The fruit of a dead tree follows the attributes of Satan who is the antithesis of God. John records Jesus stating that the devil’s role is to lie, steal, enslave, kill, and destroy.

So, when you look at the fruit of people’s lives, what do you see?  A life flourishing with the treasurers of God or a life drowning in the destructive path of Satan? You will know them by their fruit.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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