The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, also known by that insipid poly-syllabic word “temperance.”

So what comes to mind when you hear these words? For me, it usually has something to do with taking care of one’s body, breaking bad habits, or restraining one’s passions and appetite.

Sounds pretty good.

But lately I have been wondering whether it is humanly possible to live temperately, with self-control. Can I really break all my bad habits? I mean, I know I stopped sucking my thumb like a baby ages ago. But I have developed other ugly bad habits over the years. And worse yet, I like some of my bad habits. Now how about that?!

I can try all sorts of DIY tricks to break bad habits but when the blaring message of pop culture is “If it feels good, it must be right”… well, the still small voice within is silenced. So what then?

One of my favorite Bible writers, Apostle Paul, writes in Roman 12:1-2 (NIV):

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Perhaps, what is needed is a focus on self-control as a spiritual act of worship. An act of worship to a merciful God. An act of worship that is guided by the Spirit who renews the mind so that patterns of this world are no longer desirable.

If God wants me not to conform to patterns of this world, He has got to have a better alternative. Something that is way more fulfilling than the cheap thrills of this world. And if God’s will is as “good, pleasing, and perfect” as Romans 12:2 promises, then His plan for me has got to be the better alternative, THE way to go!

So laying aside the temporal feelings that bad habits have to offer, I now seek to worship my Creator.

Self-control as an act of worship.

Care to join?