Self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When we lack that gift, we forfeit our authority over our own lives, and we cause trouble for ourselves.
The first step we take to develop self-control is to look for an example. We are less intentional about our lives than we think. A lot of what we do is an unwitting imitation of others. Find people who have taken responsibility for their lives and spend time with them. Let them serve as your example.
The next step we take to develop self-control is recognize that it takes time. Just as it takes an investment of time to develop skills, so it takes time to grow character. It is not simply a matter of having self-control or not. We want to learn to have more self-control and have it in all situations. We can use the time we have to practice self-control.
The third step to develop self-control is to rekindle the faith, as the Bible tells us. That requires us to avail ourselves of regular opportunities for worship. It also requires that we encourage one another and serve as cheerleaders for one another. Our faith, and with it our self-control, will falter unless we rekindle it on a consistent basis.
The final step is to recognize that self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When we place our trust in Jesus Christ and give our lives to him, we receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life and a whole lot more. We receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle, and self-control.
In our sermon this Sunday we will talk about the gift of self-control.