Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Galatians 5:23 ...self-control...

The fruit of the Spirit is ...self-control...

Elsewhere we are told not to be controlled by wine but by the Spirit and many have interpreted this as meaning speaking in tongues, singing with hands in the air and generally "Letting go and letting God".

But the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Is that control of self or control of self? The word used in the Greek means 'keeping oneself in check'. There is a happy balance to be obtained between being as dull as ditch water and going over the top. One must know how and when to show enthusiasm, innovation and imagination, without giving offence by one's behavior. Living with the consciousness of the Holy Spirit every day engenders that balance in us.

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