So oftentimes, if we’re honest, we are controlled by our emotions. They control us. Or, our desires control us. Or, our passions control us. We are controlled by the flesh. We are controlled by worldly desires.
Why is it that, on Friday’s in Lent, we have the greatest longing for a hamburger? This desire of the flesh or of the body says, okay, we want this. Self-control isn’t just not doing stupid things, but it’s to control our appetite—literally our appetite—but also controls us in lust, controls us in addiction, it controls us in gluttony, it controls us in temper. These desires in and of the flesh all too often control us. We eat because we’re stressed or we’re angry, but the Spirit of Jesus desires to bring peace and self-control.
This is actually one area where fasting can be a great gift in being able to help produce fruit. Just because our body or our flesh says we want something doesn’t mean that we actually need it. Fasting is a great penance —not huge, radical, long fasts, but there’s something that takes place in our spirits when the flesh says, “Okay, I want a fourth piece of pizza”, “I want a soda today”, “I want candy today.” And we say no. There’s something in that exchange that helps develop, helps produce the fruit of self-control.
But to be clear, this is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s not just our willing it. I know I need to be more controlled. I need to have a greater grasp over my fact. No – It’s the Spirit of Jesus working in us that produces the fruit of self-control.
When we seek this fruit, we ultimately are seeking the control the world wields over our body and mind, that we might focus more upon Christ. A simple fast, like not having a Coke on Wednesday and Friday (or whatever is your ‘addiction’) can seem difficult at first. I crave that side more on these days than any other. But, by asking the Spirit for self-control in fasting, I am learning to surrender and give over to Christ. And, maybe it’s silly, but the suffering of that fast, actually can unite a soul more closely to Christ and be offered up to His cross for struggling souls.
Lent isn’t too far away, but start now asking the Holy Spirit to grow this fruit of self-control in you. One goal in mind when applying it to your temper or lust or gluttony – Jesus Christ. Unite with His night after being arrested.