Ninth gift: Self-control
Self-control begins with choice.
The choices we make in life will ultimately determine who we become. The wisdom of the Ancient One says, “I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God’s blessing and God’s curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Choosing life over death is self-control at its very best. In every moment of the day when the choice comes to slay ourselves or someone else with words or a weapon, we are given the opportunity to choose life.
Choosing life doesn’t mean a constant party of indulgences. We celebrate the fullness of life only after we have labored hard to bring life into full fruition.
Sometimes it is hard to see life in the choices we make. We find ourselves sacrificing so that someone else can live, and we give up certain temporal pleasures or even relationships in order to remain true to our self-determining decision for life. At times, circumstances may seem hopeless or have no meaning at all because we did not veer from our first choice. Yet if we continue on, we will grow into the Ancient One’s child; eternally blessed with the Spirit’s gift of self-control.
Choose life.
Scripture: Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition)
Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Used with permission.