Financial Fruit of the SpiritSample

Word #9: Self-control

The ninth description of the fruit which the Holy Spirit produces in our lives is ‘self-control.’ The wise King Solomon wrote a useful illustration of the need for self-control.

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

In Solomon’s time, a city depended on strong fortifications and gates, with great walls surrounding it, to repel ravaging bands of guerillas or foreign armies. If the gates, or towers were broken down and the walls broken. Someone without the power to rule his spirit is just as exposed and vulnerable as a defenseless city.

Our own experience shows us that we are not capable, in ourselves, of controlling ourselves. Even the great apostle Paul honestly admitted,

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:18,19)

That’s why self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and not the result of our own power of discipline.

What are the ‘walls’ of the ‘city’ of my financial life?

The wall around financial fruitfulness is formed by ‘living within your harvest.’ This means learning to live with what comes in and being content with this.

Contentment and simplicity are invaluable friends in this effort. Content yourself with what God sends your way and live a simple life. Then God, honoured by your devotion, will in turn tend to both your margin and your harvest.

Practically, this means setting up a Spending Plan to manage the resources at our disposal. A Spending Plan, or budget, set up with God in prayer, can form walls of protection around your financial life. Living within your means brings financial peace and security.

The Spirit will produce in us the power to say no, the ability to carry out our promises and the means by which we can control our desires, subjecting them to the will of God. On the positive side, the Spirit will help us to control our talents, skills and gifting so that we can build wealth.

“You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth ....” (Deuteronomy 8:18a)

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