Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

In other translations temperance is called self-control. It seems that if we were to exhibit self-control, we should have done so before now. Doesn’t self-control take place in gentleness, goodness and meekness?

Having received my training within a charismatic church, I have a little different take on self-control that goes a step beyond the resistance to temptation. I’ve seen the giftings in a different light than some, both within and without the administration.

Having laid hands on the ill and seen healing does not mean I have a healing ministry. Having the gift of prophecy, I am not a prophet. Having a gift of discernment does not make me a counselor.

Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Self-control is given so that we do not seek glory for ourselves. God be glorified. I am sure that you have seen, as have I, that some that have momentary attention get “caught up in the spirit”. That may be what they chose to call it, but I think it is more likely to be a loss of self-control.

The gifts of service and the fruits of the spirit, as well as wisdom, need maturing. None of these characteristics of Christ come naturally, nor do they come instantly. Maturity takes time, patience and attention to detail.

2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;