On Self-control
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
These are the characteristics that grow when God's Spirit is dwelling in a person. I was curious to do a little research into Self-Control, because I feel like I have a ways to grow in that area. When I looked, I found that the Greek word is ἐγκράτεια and it's only used three places in the Bible! In Acts 24:25, where it speaks of how Paul talked with Felix about the faith in Christ; in this verse in Galatians; and in 2 Peter 1:6 where Peter lists it as an attribute that the Christian should strive to grow in, following knowledge and leading to perseverance.
In searching, I found a commentary by someone called Barnes who described it like this: "the dominion over all evil propensities...chastity, self-government... and to subdue all inordinate affection."
I also found an (article on hebrew4christians.com) that describes it as literally meaning "inner strength" in the sense that it is "the strength to turn away from evil and serve God [which] comes from the indwelling Divine Presence of the Spirit ... the life of Yeshua [Jesus] within the heart, providing strength to serve and please God."
Ok, so what's my problem? I live à outrance - everything is important and meaningful and powerful. Attention is totally focused, energy level is high, enthusiasm is neon. Go, go, go! I don't seem to have a "moderate" level of operation. Everything is 100%. That includes the things I draw, collect, and enjoy. Things are ok, but I look back and think...wow, what a trail I left. Of course, then I get curious to stroll around the museums I've built along the way and all the colors, stories, themes, characters, sounds, smells, atmospheres, and worlds that I've assembled over the years.
just trying to keep the world from smashing, crashing in
That's what it feels like. It's like the world is a constant pressure, often overwhelming with unpleasantness (noise, random ugly things, stress, pain, etc). I just want to bury my head in the sand and make it all go away. So I do a 180 and paint other pictures. Amass other things. Craft my own beautiful little space, even if it's only in my mind.
just trying to keep the world from smashing, crashing in
Does it ever stop? Do I ever stop?
Will I ever learn self-control while I wait to be rescued and set in a vast, quiet place? (Psalm 118:5)
These are the characteristics that grow when God's Spirit is dwelling in a person. I was curious to do a little research into Self-Control, because I feel like I have a ways to grow in that area. When I looked, I found that the Greek word is ἐγκράτεια and it's only used three places in the Bible! In Acts 24:25, where it speaks of how Paul talked with Felix about the faith in Christ; in this verse in Galatians; and in 2 Peter 1:6 where Peter lists it as an attribute that the Christian should strive to grow in, following knowledge and leading to perseverance.
In searching, I found a commentary by someone called Barnes who described it like this: "the dominion over all evil propensities...chastity, self-government... and to subdue all inordinate affection."
I also found an (article on hebrew4christians.com) that describes it as literally meaning "inner strength" in the sense that it is "the strength to turn away from evil and serve God [which] comes from the indwelling Divine Presence of the Spirit ... the life of Yeshua [Jesus] within the heart, providing strength to serve and please God."
Ok, so what's my problem? I live à outrance - everything is important and meaningful and powerful. Attention is totally focused, energy level is high, enthusiasm is neon. Go, go, go! I don't seem to have a "moderate" level of operation. Everything is 100%. That includes the things I draw, collect, and enjoy. Things are ok, but I look back and think...wow, what a trail I left. Of course, then I get curious to stroll around the museums I've built along the way and all the colors, stories, themes, characters, sounds, smells, atmospheres, and worlds that I've assembled over the years.
just trying to keep the world from smashing, crashing in
That's what it feels like. It's like the world is a constant pressure, often overwhelming with unpleasantness (noise, random ugly things, stress, pain, etc). I just want to bury my head in the sand and make it all go away. So I do a 180 and paint other pictures. Amass other things. Craft my own beautiful little space, even if it's only in my mind.
just trying to keep the world from smashing, crashing in
Does it ever stop? Do I ever stop?
Will I ever learn self-control while I wait to be rescued and set in a vast, quiet place? (Psalm 118:5)