The Holy Spirit’s ninth gift is self-control, and if ever there was a gift most people would rather re-gift, this could be it. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires.
Television talk shows, news videos and social media posts give ample evidence of how much more most of us prefer to sound off at others. We would rather restrain the impulses, emotions and desires of others. Self-liberation, if someone coined the phrase, could perhaps meet with our approval.
But there’s a problem lurking under that attitude, and few are sharp enough to name its source for what it is. Peer closely at it, and beneath our disdain of self-control, there are distinct traces of serpent: “Did God really say…? Self control? Nonsense, you haven’t done anything worthy of being disciplined, or controlled. Look, it’s beautiful. Go ahead, taste it, it’s delicious.”
We fell for the lie and trap, and lost the freedom to say no, and obey, that we’d actually already owned. Our cravings took over. We were helpless, and our deceiver took every opportunity to mock us for our lack of self-control. But….

The Holy Spirit’s ninth gift is self-control.

The Holy Spirit’s ninth gift is self-control.

Through faith in Jesus’ atoning life, death, and resurrection, we receive the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. And with him, we’re gifted an unending resupply of self-control, if we make use of it.

The Holy Spirit’s ninth gift is self-control.

How should we use it? God created people to be active, to discover creation’s variety, name what we find, tend the planet, and otherwise mimic him by creating objects and ideas. All these occupations possess positive potential. Many of them require cooperation. But who willingly chooses to follow an erratic, volatile person?
I grant that such a person might be followed temporarily, but will the results of following him be lasting, or worthy of respect? “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:29. Many of us can recall the moments our esteem for someone famous fell when their self-control slipped.
Want a life that leaves a lasting impact? That’s become a catch phrase lately, and a worth-while hope, but to achieve that, self control is essential. 2 Peter 1:5-8 includes self-control in a list of qualities available to keep you from being ineffective in your knowledge of Christ.
Worse than ineffectiveness in knowledge of Christ is being an unprepared target for the devil. Self-control takes the target off, and keeps wise believers of every age group alert to don the armor God provides. The Holy Spirit’s ninth gift is self-control. Keep it.

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