The Deception When You Pray for More Self-Control

Have you ever asked for more self-control? Certainly, I know I have. However, this question, as a believer, is wrought with many pitfalls and problems.

Before reacting one way or another, let’s examine the following scripture very carefully:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with is passions and desires” (Gal. 5:22-24).

As we know, a fruit doesn’t have to become a fruit on its own. It simply becomes a fruit because it hangs on the vine which carries the nutrients and the DNA instruction for its creation. Put plainly, an apple doesn’t have to work to become an apple. Its creation is dependent upon its connection.

If the creation is dependent upon the connection, we see in Scripture the vital connection between Holy Spirit and ourselves. As a resident inside of our physical bodies, known as temples, Holy Spirit is able to exhibit and magnify his own personal characteristics through us.

What are those characteristics? That question has clearly been answered with the above Scripture. It is simply the fruit of His presence. This is His character and nature.

Therefore, when we ask for more self-control, as an example, we are intuitively saying that Holy Spirit’s nature does not live in us. Or, perhaps, we have doubt or fear that God did not give it to us as He promised. That could not be further from the truth. In reality, it is deception and lies from our enemy—Satan.

So instead of asking for more self-control or even more faithfulness, let’s simply begin to thank God that we have it in full measure and abundance. With acknowledgement of his presence and his subsequent nature, these attributes listed in Scripture will begin to appear more visible as a reflection of God’s grace and goodness.

Yes, we will begin to see our lives becoming one big giant Holy Spirit fruit. How ’bout them apples? {eoa}

Mark Sherwood, naturopathic doctor (ND), is on a mission to help you achieve wellness in every area of your life. Dr. Mark and his wife, Michele L. Neil-Sherwood, DO, have a successful medical practice, the Functional Medical Institute; have a television and radio program; and provide resources, including their Amazon bestseller, The Quest for Wellness; nutrition plans; fitness instructional videos and helpful mental and emotional steps to provide relief from stress and to help people form better habits so they can live well.