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;

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.

When I think of Jesus and meekness, the first thing that comes to mind is His Word; “Fear not, it is I.” It is not timidity, it is not weakness, it is the knowledge that no harm will befall you. Here again is an outward sign of the inner change.

Superman’s alter-ego was the “mild mannered” Clark Kent. Look at the character of Superman revealed, was he not also mild mannered? His strength and powers were obvious and it was hard to look past that awesome persona but his true character was mild mannered. He was strong and undeniable when it was called for but never used his abilities for anything but good.

Looking at the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13 I find the description, “does not flaunt itself, nor act unseemly”. Is that not meekness? When God works in you changing your character, you will not have to “put on” your Clark Kent act, you will be yourself, the new you.

I spent many years trying to discover who I was in Christ. I found that very difficult. Then I discovered who Christ is in me. I discovered you cannot put on the robes, wear sandals, and grow a beard to look like Jesus. It starts on the inside and shines outward. It is the abiding presence that produces the fruits of the spirit.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.