The self has no desire for self-control. The self’s desires can be insatiable. It longs for more and self-control insists on less. Self-control involves controlling our bodies, our thoughts, and our actions. It keeps watch over desires, drives, ambitions, attitudes, and temperament. It has to do with what we say and how we say it. We must not excuse ourselves by saying, “that’s just the way I am.” We can’t start getting somewhere in self-control until we view it as our friend. It is to be enabled by the Spirit because it is a fruit of the Spirit. How can it be “self” control since it is a fruit of the Spirit? It can be, because it involves partnership with the Spirit. It prays often for the Spirit to help.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a NASB).
