Self-control stretches us and encourages us to grow. In the list of the fruits of the Spirit, it comes up last. However, this doesn’t mean it’s any less important or worthy of our study. Having a spirit of self-control honors God and His creation.
We don’t like to talk about self-control. It causes us to look inward and examine all the areas of our souls that might need a bit of dust brushed off or a bit of polishing. But we can either heap self-condemnation on ourselves and throw in the towel, or we can keep going and press further into Christ.
Self-control is as much about not doing something wrong as it is about doing what is right. Unfortunately for us, it’s much easier to bear bad fruit, and bearing good fruit takes a lifetime of effort.