Clint Barbour
March 22, 2021
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
When I was asked to write a Lenten devotional about self-control, I had to chuckle to myself a little. As the parent of a newly 4 year old and almost 7 year old, the amount of self-control that I have to use on a daily basis would fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
When I try to define self-control, I think what most of us probably think: control over my own actions. Do I argue with an irrational child? Do I get an unhealthy snack from the gas station? Do I respond to the incredulous Facebook post by a close friend? Do I get upset about something that is really insignificant? These are all things that I can exert control over. I can control how I react. Or at least so I think. But, really, is it me actually exerting self-control? Or is it Jesus holding my hand and helping me make the right call? Because I lose self-control, over whatever it may be, isn’t that the failure of doing what Jesus wants us to do? The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, no doubt. It is Jesus holding our hand and guiding us in our lives. It is asking for and letting him ride shotgun in whatever choices we make. Because, without him, what control do we really have?
Dear God. Help me today to let You hold my hand and guide me in everything I do. No matter what. Let my choices be Your choices. Amen.
