According to Galatians, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".
According to Peter Gabriel, "their are always hidden silences, waiting behind each car" (No Self Control lyrics)
Both God and Gabriel have an interesting perspective on this self-control. God sees this as a gift. A Spirit Fruit. A strength. Something matured into. Gabriel sees the Dark Shadow. An almost eerie presence lurking to nab those who don't utilize self-control. (This I have experienced—and will again I am sure—as I tend to react and speak first.)
When experiencing the Spirit Fruit self-control, it seems an act of wisdom. As though one has experienced the Dark Shadow and had it sprung from the corner to bite the non-controlled. But now, through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, is restrained. Sometimes as a result of this restraint there can initially be pain, slander, lack of immediacy, lack of intimacy, financial setback, and others. But I believe God provides validation and unworldly peace through it and from it. Certainly self-control should not allow us to be a door mat. But Spirit Fruit self-control should be worn as a badge of honor—particularly within the results from restraint.
Unfortunately for me, as someone who needs validation, recognition, "good jobs" and "well dones", often times there is silence. However, within this silence, God is allowed to whisper directed well dones. In this, I can rest. Phew.
Yesterday there was a situation where I had to reel myself and my tongue in. I shared this situation with my wonderful wife, and through a conversation with a trusted friend. This helped. But, I am finding that as I type this, I am feeling a well done....a nice balm.
Someone once said their is a reason that self-control comes last in the list of Spirit Fruit—in that it takes the longest to manifest itself. I also recall my mother had a magnet on the clothes dryer which stated "Grant me patience, Lord, and I want it RIGHT NOW!".
I pray I can continue to reach for this Spirit Fruit and enjoy its sweet juices—both myself, and for its effect, through me, on others. And not screw it up by allowing the hidden silence to spring up from behind the car.
Ain't making self-control sound fun. More like a straight-jacket, buzz-kill or kill-joy. Look at me everybody! Cheer me on! I restrained myself, and resisted the temptation to have fun. Like in the movie "sure thing" where there's a party outside, and the guy is playing chess with his gf, saying "they think they're having fun." um no, they kinda are
ReplyDeletePaul, Consider me a kill-joy, or rain-cloud or fun-sucker, but the experience described was one not relating to "fun", but a professional situation which required appropriate restraint. That said, consider football players. They can have "fun" playing their sport, however, there are appropriate rules within the game. Rules which require players to exhibit self-control. But they can surely have a great time playing the game.
ReplyDeleteFair enough. i enjoy reading your blog, even if at times it gets a bit preachy/religious. it conveys a happiness & grounded-ness, which is admirable & enviable.
ReplyDeletejust don't go too george harrison on me where you're changing lyrics like to lennon's "in my life" to "in my life, i loved God more"
but i do respect what you're doing, and will keep reading.