But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

If you read last Wednesday’s post, you need not wonder about my level of self-control.

On the other hand, I teach twelve-year-olds for a living, and I’ve never hit one with a stick, so maybe I’m learning.

That’s the thing about self-control.  You are trying to control the self, the will, the flesh, the part of you that wants, not to be controlled, but to be in control.

The part of you that strives against Almighty God.

Does that mean that every time I go back to sleep when I should go to the gym, or play on Facebook when I should be getting work done, or blah blah blah when I should Ta Daaaaaaaaaa! that I’m sinning against God?

Be careful, Beloved.  That way lies madness.

Yes, our blatant slovenliness is a reflection of our sin nature.  That’s why it’s not counted as a fruit of the Spirit.  But you know what?  Most of the people I know–probably including you–already acknowledge and confess and beat themselves up about it.

News Flash–you’re not perfect.

News Flash 2–you will be.

Let the Spirit do his work, Beloved.  The fruit will ripen.

Happy Monday.