Fruit Worth Growing

It was a good feeling. Getting our financial information plugged into a new program that offered both budgeting tools, and goals for future wealth management. Knowing how our money is being spent gives us the opportunity to evaluate where changes need to be made. Oddly enough, although I sometimes fight against the discipline of tracking our spending, ultimately, it frees us up to set goals for future spending.

Early next year, we're considering taking a mission trip. I'm excited! We know approximately how much the trip will cost. We plan to save some money for this adventure. Being willing to spend less of our discretionary income will be much easier with this goal in mind. Self-control will play a key role.

Self-control is defined as "the act, power, or habit of having one's faculties or energies under control of the will," (Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary, Vol. 1). Truth be told, it's a fruit of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul writes, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self control): against such there is no law," (Galatians 5:22-23; KJV; italics mine).

Self-control is an important characteristic to display not only in financial matters, but in all areas of life. Since it's a fruit of the Spirit, it's vitally important that I stay in tune with Him. How do I do this? Again, the Apostle Paul, writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, shares the answer: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh," (Galatians 5:16). To walk in the Spirit, I need to be willing to submit to His ways.

When I struggle with self-control, I'm battling my natural desires and tendencies. My thoughts center around what I want now, and I forget about others and the more important long-term goals. Selfishness is evident, drawing attention to me - rather than self-control, pointing to the Spirit of God.

Self-control doesn't just happen. It's something that needs to be pursued. A discipline that needs to be developed. As an avid exerciser, I realize that in order to be fit, I need to develop both my muscles and my cardiovascular system. Just thinking about exercising is of no benefit. I actually have to put myself through some type of exercise routine to achieve my goal of being fit. The same is true for self-control. I need to practice implementing discipline in my life in order to see growth in this area. Paul puts it into perspective, "...and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come," (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).

The fruit of the Spirit develops as I allow Him to work in my life. The right elements cause it to 'ripen:' reading God's Word, praying, submitting to God's will. When I choose to use these tools for growth, self-control will be evident in my life!


How are you doing in the area of self-control? What step will you take today to make this fruit of the Spirit evident in your life?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to submit to Your will so self-control will be evident in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Embracing Change

Welcome to 2011. A brand new year. A new beginning. A blank canvas. An opportunity to consider the possibilities that lie ahead. And embrace change in areas where growth is needed. I have to admit that I’m a creature of habit. Change doesn’t come easily for me. But as I’ve reflected on the past year, I’ve seen the hand of God most clearly when He has coaxed me out of my comfort zone.

Early last year, as we enjoyed a leisurely dinner, I remember sharing an idea for a devotional series with my husband. He was very supportive and gave me some excellent things to consider. Hmmmm. Once I had put my dream out there, I realized that I needed to follow through with the project. How to get started? I was already spending several hours a week blogging, and now I needed to begin writing this series.

Several months went by and my devotional idea remained just that, an idea. I thought I knew what the Lord wanted me to write, but the words just wouldn’t come. I had determined to illustrate the fruit of the Spirit with short entries written in traditional devotional format. My timeline was structured so I would finish one of the books in the series before I attended my first writer’s conference. As I began writing, the Lord began to stretch my vision. Instead of a simple devotional, He showed me a different plan, one that included an interactive Bible study. Oh, wow! This would require much more research and time. Was I willing to face the challenge?

As I contemplated this change in plans, I thought about the familiar words of Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” (KJV). “Ok, Lord,” I prayed, “if You want me to change the format of this series, You’re going to have to help me!” Things started coming together. I joined a critique group and found the accountability I needed. Slowly, lessons were written and valuable feedback was given. I saw the importance of taking one step at a time.

As I continue to work on my series this year, I’m convinced that the Lord will continue to guide me each step of the way. David’s words ring true, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” (Psalm 119:105). God’s word gives me plenty of light to navigate today’s road successfully, while keeping me focused on Him for tomorrow’s needs.

Where do you need to embrace change and experience growth this year? Accept the Psalmist’s challenge, “Trust in the Lord, and do good…delight thyself also in the Lord…commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass,” (Psalm 37:3a,4a,5). This year, step out in faith and experience the mighty hand of God in your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for an opportunity to live for You. What a privilege You’ve given me to experience Your miraculous presence. Help me to tune in to Your still, small voice, so I'll recognize those areas where I need to grow. Allow me to be used for You this year. In Jesus’ name, Amen.