Self-control as a Christian; Can You Really Fry ‘Dodo’ Without Tasting?

Generally speaking, it feels like one of the hardest things to do is fry plantain and not eat a single piece while at it. This illustration best describes self-control. Now, self-control is the ability to regulate or curb one’s desires. It is like a horse’s rein or a car brake. 

Self-control is one of the fruits of the spirit in the Bible. You know, love, joy, peace and so on.

Galatians 5:22-23– “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Here, temperance is self-control which is very important in the life of a Christian. Ever been in a situation where you’re going off track and something snaps you back into reality? That’s temperance. 

How can we develop this fruit of the spirit? 

A tree is made up of roots, the trunk, branches, and fruits. It is called the fruit of the spirit because the Holy Spirit is the root of that tree. When we have the Holy Spirit in us, we will bear those fruits. 

Self-control as described here is not the one that allows us to fry plantain successfully without eating out of it but it is a constraint against the old nature, which is the Adamic nature.

We are humans, and as such, we live in the flesh. Well, our flesh is not spiritual at all, it does not embrace anything spiritual. As a result, the flesh and our spirit will always be at war, and it is the fruit of self-control that makes the spirit man win over the flesh.

Romans 7:19: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”

The Holy Spirit in us is the One who is capable of working on our flesh so that we may bear the fruits of the Spirit, such as self-control. 

Moreover, when we have self-control over our old nature, or rather flesh, it will control every aspect of our lives. Sometimes those little irresponsible comments we make and regret later will not slip. It will help shape our lives, curb excess eating or shopping or doing something unproductive. 

A PECULIAR CASE STUDY OF SELF-CONTROL IN THE BIBLE

Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus Christ, who was made man but yet without sin. He was tempted and tried, but he did not fail. If you had the super power that could make you send laser eyes at a person. How much would you control yourself especially when people keep getting on your nerves? 🤔

If you were Jesus (that’s just an example… could never be), what would you do to those soldiers beating you with whips? I ask again, knowing you did nothing and that you had such powers to make the ground swallow them all UP, what would you do?

Now back to the beginning…

Can you really fry Dodo without tasting?

Check out the other articles in the series if you enjoyed this piece:

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10 songs Nigerian Christians have turned upside down. Including you👀