This week's fruits of the Spirit are self-control and faithfulness. In what ways do we exercise self-control and in what ways do we lack self-control? How do we exhibit faithfulness in our lives and how do we lack faithfulness?
The Israelites roaming around in the desert were tired and hungry and seeking some type of relief. They were ready for something good to happen. They were yelling loud and clear "Are we THERE YET?" No matter how many times they were told that God would provide, they failed to believe that God would actually be faithful to them.
It is such a common story, isn't it? We say we believe that God cares for us. We believe in the idea of faithfulness and try to live in ways that show we are capable and faithful people. But the minute things do not go our way, we cry out for something, anything, to make us feel better. The manna we seek may not even be possible, but we want it anyway.
I see an interesting intersection between faithfulness and self-control. Don't you? In some circumstances, we develop a lack of self control and an unwillingness to see that following a steady and faithful path, though not glamorous, may lead to great reward. The virtue of faithfulness, the steady day-in-and-day-out faithfulness of trusting God and ourselves, believing in God and ourselves might actually get us somewhere. Being faithful to God, to our inner pull to live our dreams, could help us develop a level of self-control and assurance that we have never known before. It could lead us to amazing peace and contentment.
I like reading and hearing stories about people who have overcome difficult odds and unpredictable circumstances. It is inspiring to read tales or to hear stories about people whose steadfast faithfulness to a path has led them to achieve great things.
I imagine those were qualities also very present in Jesus as he walked the proverbial "lonesome journey" to the cross. His faithfulness to follow God, to be a faithful servant, to live a life of self-control and careful, reasoned speech is part of what makes Jesus, the man, such an admired historical figure. And those same qualities are what led Jesus, the man, to become a Savior for his people. Christ is alive today in our lives because of the steadfast faithfulness and self-control of his journey.
Thoughts? Email me or comment below.
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