Day 21
The Freedom of Self-Control
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Peter 1:5-7
Self-control. It’s a word we often associate with restraint—holding back from something we want but may not be best for us. However, through faith, self-control transforms into something far more meaningful. It becomes not only a spiritual discipline but also a Fruit of the Spirit, a quality that helps us grow into Christlikeness.
In 2 Peter 1:5-7, Peter outlines a progression of qualities that should characterize a believer. He begins with faith and then progresses through virtue, knowledge, and most importantly, self-control. In this context, self-control isn’t simply a way to avoid temptation; it’s an active choice to say “yes” to God. When we view self-control in this light, it isn’t about restriction but about gaining freedom—freedom from the chaos that results from living by our fleshly desires and freedom to fully pursue God’s will.
But practicing self-control is challenging. It’s difficult to stay calm in moments of anger, to resist unhealthy habits, or to hold onto faith in a world filled with distractions. Whether it’s mindlessly scrolling through our phones or letting our thoughts drift into worry, self-control requires effort. Peter reminds us that we can’t just sit back and expect self-control to magically appear in our lives; it takes intention. Growing in self-control means partnering with the Holy Spirit, who works within us to reshape our desires and strengthen our character.
A powerful way to cultivate self-control is by focusing on Jesus, the ultimate example of this virtue. In the wilderness, Jesus faced temptations that could have led Him away from God’s plan. Yet He chose God’s will over immediate comfort, even to the point of laying down His life on the cross. This act of ultimate self-control shows us that self-control is not about denial for denial’s sake; it’s about aligning our lives with God’s purposes. When we choose self-control, we’re saying, “I trust God’s wisdom and timing over my immediate desires.” By exercising self-control, we honor God with our thoughts, bodies, and actions.
So, how can we develop this discipline of self-control? It starts with prayer and surrender, inviting God to guide us in areas where we struggle most. Prayer opens us to God’s wisdom and empowers us to make choices that reflect His love and goodness. By bringing our desires to God, we learn to lean on His strength rather than our own.
Mindfulness is another important step. By being aware of our actions and taking time to reflect on them, we can clearly see if our behaviors align with Christ’s character. Asking ourselves questions like, “Does this choice reflect God’s love?” or “Am I honoring God in this moment?” can help us make decisions that lead us closer to Him.
Finally, we can’t underestimate the power of community. Surrounding ourselves with others who encourage us in our faith helps us stay accountable. In a supportive community, we can find strength and encouragement to grow in self-control, knowing we’re not alone in our journey. Our faith community becomes a source of accountability and wisdom, offering guidance and support as we learn to live with greater intention.
As we grow in self-control, it’s a sign of spiritual maturity. The fruit of self-control allows us to love others well, persevere in hard times, and live lives that point back to God. In the end, self-control is more than just a personal victory; it’s a visible way of becoming more like Christ, reflecting His love, patience, and purpose to those around us. Through self-control, we honor God in every area of our lives, stepping into the fullness of what He has for us.
FURTHER REFLECTION:
How can you actively choose self-control today in your interactions with others or in your daily habits? Are there areas in your life where God might invite you to exercise more discipline?
How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you strength to live with self-control? How can you make space in your life to seek His help more regularly?
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the gift of self-control and how it leads me to become more like Christ. Help me to grow in this area, not through my strength, but by Your Spirit. When I am tempted, remind me that Your will is better than my desires. Help me say "yes" to You and align my actions with Your purposes. Give me the wisdom to know when to practice restraint and the courage to trust in Your plan. I surrender my weaknesses to You, knowing that Your grace is sufficient. In Jesus' name, Amen.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Proverbs 25:28
by Hannah Brashier