This month, our character focus is Self-Control. The operational definition of self-control is “instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit.”

The word self-control might seem to imply that you can control yourself and can do what is right in your own strength. Although a person can learn to outwardly submit to moral rules and regulate his behavior, changed affections and a desire to obey God come only from the Holy Spirit. A Christian cultivates self-control by denying himself and heeding the Holy Spirit.

At salvation, a person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit within reminds the Christian of God’s Word, convicts him of sin, and comforts him in trials. The Spirit’s promptings are not audible but can be perceived within a believer’s spirit. A Christian develops sensitivity to the Holy Spirit by spending regular time with God and responding immediately when He speaks.

May we pray as Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14:36).