When He's in Control
"But
when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in
us:...self-control" (Galatians 5:22,23).
Sue
insisted that she was Spirit-filled, and she frequently challenged others to be
filled with the Spirit. But there was no evidence that the Holy Spirit was in
control of her life, because she was completely undisciplined in everything she
did. She knew nothing about self-control. She knew all about the Holy Spirit,
in her mind, but there was no evidence that He was in her life - and in control
of her life.
Dr.
Henrietta Mears, as director of Christian education at the First Presbyterian
Church in Hollywood, had one of the greatest spiritual ministries of her time.
Hundreds of young men and women became church members and missionaries under
her influence. She lived in a palatial home, owned priceless antiques and
dressed beautifully. Most people assumed that she was a woman of great wealth.
Actually, she was a person of relatively modest means. She simply knew how to
take her regular salary, a modest inheritance, plus savings, and maximize them
for God's glory.
For
example, she would advise young people, "Do not eat in expensive
restaurants where you spend excessively except on rare occasions. Instead,
prepare your own lunch, and over a period of a year you can save enough money
by not eating out to take a trip around the world and enrich your spirit, your
soul and your cultural sensitivities. Or you can use the money you save to buy
something which will enhance the beauty of your home or person."
We
see disciplined people all around us in the world. Athletes discipline
themselves to strict training, soldiers are drilled in military discipline,
artists and writers are disciplined to sharpen their talents through dedicated
practice. On the other hand, we also see examples of a lack of discipline in
the lives of many people around us.
Whether
a person is a Christian or a non-believer, the development of self-control as a
quality of character seems to be difficult for most people. Yet we are told in
the Bible that the Spirit-filled Christian will exhibit self- control as a part
of the fruit of the Spirit.
TODAY'S
ACTION POINT:
I acknowledge that to walk in the fullness and control of the Holy Spirit will
enable me to demonstrate a life of discipline and self-control. Therefore, by
faith, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I shall live a life of discipline
and self-control for the glory of God. Self- control is essential for
supernatural living.
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