Do you have an out-of-control appetite when it comes to a particular temptation such as money, food, alcohol, drugs, or something else? Have you been left feeling ashamed, hopeless, or a failure because your constant efforts to gain control haven’t got anywhere? If all your attempts at self-control failed, it’s time to try Spirit control! ‘Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions…But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives’ (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25 NLT). The secret of walking in victory is in realising these two things: 1) Self-control is not something you do for God, it’s something God does for you. 2) Self-control is not a one-time project but a daily walk. Each time you say no to self and yes to God, His Spirit comes to help and empower you. By choosing to follow God instead of your impulses, you’ll activate the power that brings victory.
