Who’s in Control?

Ah, control. We all like being in control, but so often we lose it. It could be your mouth with the words that spill out of it, your appetite with how much you keep eating, your thoughts such as giving in to worry, or your time management with how much you spend on your phone, watching TV, etc instead of other needed things. Sometimes we seem to be in control of ourselves while other times we might look like an erupting volcano. Lack of control is sin.

Very often people want to blame the devil for their sin problems. While he certainly knows our weaknesses and how to tempt us to do wrong, we are the ones who are still making the decisions. We are not being forced to do wrong. We are ultimately in control of what we say, what we watch, where we go, how we spend our time, etc.

Temperance is the last fruit of the Spirit in our series being the last in the list from Galatians 5:23-24. It may be last because it could be the hardest to obtain.

The word “temperance” comes from the Greek words “en” and “kratos.” The word “en” means “in,” and the word “kratos” is the Greek word for “power.” When compounded into one word, these two Greek words form the word “enkrateia,” which literally means “in control.” It denotes power over one’s self, hence, it is often translated as the word “self-control.” It is having moderation or self-restraint in action, thought, and feeling. It is having discretion – doing the right thing at the right time. It is being disciplined in ALL aspects of your life (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

You can see how temperance is the opposite of what our flesh wants to do. If it was to have its way, we would overwork, overindulge, over-worry, overspend, overeat…you get the picture.

How can you have temperance or self-control? The natural way is to have self-discipline but in ourselves that will only get us so far. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to help us grow it. We must give up control of self and give it to God to have control.

Growing temperance isn’t just about saying “no” but saying “yes” to some things in our lives as well. Some right things to say “yes” to include reading our Bibles daily, going to church faithfully, tithing, serving, praying regularly…

Many go to a lot effort training their bodies to burn fat, gain strength, and achieve physical goals. It should be no different for Christians trying to achieve spiritual goals. We should daily read, memorize, and study God’s Word and pray so we can grow in the Lord. This growing in the Lord is what is needed to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and helps you to be more like Christ (how we glorify Christ). Our thought life is the key in temperance. It’s a battle of the mind, so having control of our thoughts is the first line of defense.

Living out temperance in your everyday life

First of all, we have to be willing to accept our flesh is weak, recognize our specific weaknesses, and know we must depend on God (James 1:14-16). Memorize Bible verses to help you in the weak areas in your life (such as fear, laziness, jealousy, etc.). We must stay away from temptation. It may mean we don’t go to a certain place or may need to get rid of some social media or break ties with a particular friend (1 Corinthians 15:33). Find someone who can be an accountability partner to help you live for the Lord. God can change our behavior. The secret to living in self-control is living in Christ’s control (2 Corinthians 5:14). Give thanks for every Spirit-filled success!

What area do you need to cultivate temperance, i.e., self-control? Your use of time? Your anger? Your tongue? There are so many areas it could feel hopeless to try. On our own, it would be, but depending on the Holy Spirit to help us, we can achieve discipline in these areas. It will demonstrate to God that He is in control. It shows He is our true Lord and Master. As Christians we should be exhibiting self-control better than unbelievers. Are you living in temperance in your portion of this life? 💕