Self Control

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. -- Galatians 5:22-23

For God gave us a Spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. -- 2 Timothy 1:7

I have always said that the most dangerous intersection of the world is the corner of TEMPTATION and OPPORTUNITY. We are all tempted by something, and this world gives us a lot of opportunity to give into those temptations, then gives us rational excuses for why it is OK.

Whether your temptation is alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, food, gambling or any other of the many temptations that the world has to offer, know that you don’t have the power in yourself to resist. Only through the grace of God the Father, through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus, and the power of the helper they send to you as a believer, the Holy Spirit, can you gain victory over temptation through self-control. It is not only OK to ask for help, it is expected. Lean on your Godly friends for accountability, and lean on your savior and the Holy Spirit to give you self-control beyond what you can imagine.

Here is a prayer to guide you in asking for the Spirit’s help:

A Prayer for Self-Control
Heavenly Father,

I come to You today asking for strength and self-control.

Thank you for your word that says to be strong and courageous, for You are with me.

I need the power of your Holy Spirit to work in me so that I will not give in to temptation but will overcome evil with your goodness.

Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.

Help me to endure the trials and temptations that I face, so that I might glorify you with my life.

In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.