October 8, 2026
“He who reigns within himself, and rules passions, desires, and fears, is more than a king.” – John Milton
Self-control is the final Fruit of the Spirit listed in this Scripture. With self-discipline we learn to avoid saying things like, “The devil made me do it.” We make choices. We make split second decisions and often do not remember to run them past God to see what He would have suggested we do. By the time we have been Saved and serving in a church for several years, we should be at the place where we run every decision past the Father. It is amazing how many homes and cars are purchased during seasons of high interest or astronomical sales prices. Often, if people had waited, that circumstance might have changed. But when God is not consulted there can be long years of difficult payments and unnecessary struggle.
People with mature self-control have victory over addictions, anger, and other problems that can dominate when ego and desires are allowed to take control. People who exhibit self-control are usually out in front of us, doing God’s bidding and mentoring others. I still remember high school and those first bursts of freedom, being at a party when alcohol, cigarettes or drugs made an appearance. On many occasions, my decision to say ‘no’ was made easy because someone stepped up and said we should not do that. Mentoring self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit that gives generously to others.
Self-control directs a life path. College? Trade school? “You want fries with that?” Not just education either. Friends. The people we choose to align ourselves with can determine how we are viewed by everyone. The older we get, the more lasting the consequences can be. If our friends are always in trouble with the law, there’s a good chance we will catch their eye as well. Most successful people set their goals early on. They decide to shoot for extra ribbons at high school graduation. Honors. Because they know that offers perks in college. If a student chooses college and honors, hard work, and the self-discipline of nightly homework, if they choose friends with similar goals and stay on their path, they are likely to reach all their objectives. Similarly, if they do no homework, hang with people who are already in trouble, if they think working fast food is an adequate choice, they will struggle with self-image sooner or later.
The imperative here is understanding we are the ones who make the choices. We decide where we will land on that long list of lifestyles we’ve made possible. I know there can be a lot of anger when life disappoints. It is never too late. If we don’t like where our choices have led us, we can still make new choices. Get into a good church. Listen to the messages. Read the Word. Lay down stubbornness and ego. We still must do all that hard work that wasn’t done earlier but it’s not too late. Ever.
Lord Jesus, thank You for second chances, redos, and do overs. Thank You that sometimes we wake up long before it is too late and we are able to bless others with exactly what You want them to hear. Thank You for using our poor choices to touch a hurting world, to extend a helping hand, and teach others lives can be changed until they have ended.
He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness. Proverbs 5:23