Self Control or Self Worship?

This morning my thoughts were quickened by that which abides within. I pondered that there is no self worship in the "self control" that is a fruit of the Spirit. Why does this matter? Look at yourself. Is the source of your self control your own strength? Are you able to resist those things you know are wrong because you are strong? A whore knows about the scarring of the conscience. Some "can not control themselves", but is the pious celebate any closer to God if that denial is the strength of man? No, in fact the whore sees her sin for what it is, yet the other denies the cross. Avoiding the realization that your strength, your self control, is something to be put to death on the cross will forever stunt spiritual growth.

How many are living a good and righteous life by the power of there own character? It will get you nowhere in the Kingdom of God. Consider the words of Paul to the Corinthian church:

Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Now why would Paul exhort us to run in a race where only one will win? Doesn't that sound like a futile pursuit? But one has finished the race. One man is the victor. The life that abides in you is capable of victory, has been proved dominant over all other competitors. Run with that.

And again, he reveals that man, biologic fallen man, can have self control and exercise it towards success. But what is the reward for your own strength? A corruptible crown. Not what you were looking for I assume. So why rely on that trait of the natural man? I do it because it is easy. I know I can exercise my will and resist many things. Should I give myself over to waste and wonton behavior? Of course not. But I begin to appreciate my success, my cleanliness. Maybee for you it is a big thing, like addiction, lust, or gossip. You have cleaned up that area, and now you are different, right? Wrong... You have just strengthened the natural man, the self that can not enter the Kingdom.

Am I telling any to go out and do whatever you want? To loose all self control, knowing and relying on the Blood? Never! To do what is just, what is good, to follow the voice in your conscience is the proper path. But we get confused, I get confused. Lord, what is my own strength? Where is your life inside of me? To clear away the fog, let us consider another passage:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.

So it is the fruit of the Spirit, this self control that is not of the self. Kind of a paradox. You must give up yourself, step down of the throne of your own heart, abdicate in favor of another ruler. And when you do this, sweet succulent life nourishment is realized. Self control HAPPENS in your life, born of the Spirit of God, and satisfying to all who seek Christ around you.

Why does he mention that there is no law to be applied, no knowledge discriminating these fruits? You can interpret this in the literal, as some do, that it is not illegal to love, practise kindness, be meek and so on. But is that what he means to tell these Galatians? Perhaps the picture is more that when you do access the Spirit of God, when you get more life into you, that life itself satisfies the "framework" God has established. You need not be concerned with judging what is correct and what is incorrect. You are on a different path, one led by the quickening.

It is painfull when situations arise, and we use our own strength to try and satisfy these requirements. It feels good at first, you did it! But, when there is emptiness as a result, and confusion, self doubt, guilt, low self esteem, defensive behavior, ... well it sucks. All of which leads to denial far to many times. We, I, ignore the fact that it was our strength, our natural self control, that was relied upon. We have subconsciously ( or consciously for some) exalted our selves. Subtle self worship indeed. And then we bury it, justify it, gloss it over, and prepare for the next test. Where our own ability will fail again.

Look to Job here. God allowed him to be tested, far beyond what we would consider reasonable. Why? God knew he could not make it without the real source. God allowed him to be broken. Expect it to happen to you. You CAN NOT kill off your own natural man. It was the community leaders who crucified our Lord. The priests, those who do the work of God. And it will be your own brothers and sisters in Christ who will be the instruments to put to death your own self reliance. Embrace them. Seek grace, covet more of the Spirit. And let yourself go. I am afraid of this, the fear of God, working on me, through His body. Good fear. Consecrate this message Lord...