The fruit of the Spirit · 9 of 9
Self-control
Greek enkrateia · “temperance” in the King James Bible
Mastery that comes from within, by the Spirit: desires and habits ordered toward God, rather than ruling us.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”Titus 2:11–12 (King James Version)
The word
Paul's word is enkrateia, built on kratos, “power”: strength held within, mastery of oneself. The King James Bible calls it temperance. When Paul spoke to the Roman governor Felix of “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,” Felix trembled (Acts 24:25).
A city without walls
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”Proverbs 25:28 (King James Version)
In the ancient world, a city without walls was open to every raider. A life without self-control is the same: every passing desire can walk in and take over.
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”Proverbs 16:32 (King James Version)
Like an athlete
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”1 Corinthians 9:25 (King James Version)
Athletes give up good things for the sake of a goal. Christians practice self-control for a crown that does not fade.
Not by willpower alone
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, not a feat of willpower. Paul says it is grace itself that teaches us to live soberly. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Three simple practices
- Fast from one thing. Choose one small comfort, such as dessert, a screen, or an online purchase, and give it up for a week as an offering.
- Pause before you reach. Before you click, buy, eat, or reply, stop for one breath and ask God whether this is good for you now.
- Review the day. Each night, look back over the day with God: give thanks for the good, ask pardon for the rest, and rest.
A closing prayer
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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