The Difficult Skill

The fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

Self-control is not a popular virtue in our culture. We are an instant-gratification, act-on-impulse, if-it-feels-good-do-it society. In stark contrast, a popular parenting book encourages new parents to teach the lost skill of self-control to their children very early. The authors emphasize the importance of self-control by stating, “Self-control is a foundational virtue on which other virtues depend; such as kindness, gentleness . . . and many other behaviors essential for learning.”^a God must also view self-control to be of extreme importance, for it is listed in His Word as a fruit of the Spirit.

By himself, a child cannot understand the need to be self-controlled; thus God delegates the responsibility of teaching this virtue to parents. As Christian adults, we can fully grasp why it is so important to have control over our bodies, our energies, our motives, and our purposes; it is the only way we can truly be useful servants to God. And yet, it is still such a difficult skill to master.

Today, if you see the need for self-control in your life, ask God to teach you this vital skill. As your heavenly parent, He will be delighted to do so.

Man cannot live without self-control.

ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER