We are finishing up our ninth day of Spiritual fruit with self-control. I hope you have enjoyed this little series on fruit. Now, let's talk about controlling ourselves.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1 Peter 4:7
Wonder why this verse says we have to be in control of ourselves to pray? Of all the things that could have been mentioned as ways to promote your prayer life, I think it is interesting that self-control is mentioned. People often relate an inability to pray with harboring unforgiveness, feelings of hatred, jealousy, wrath, disgust, etc, etc... But this verse focuses solely on self-control.
We can't go to God in prayer when our minds, actions and motives are spinning out of control because of some situation in our lives that has robbed us of our self-control. I am not saying that we shouldn't seek God's guidance when we are feeling out of control. No way! However, we do need to come down from that out of control spiral that has pushed the Holy Spirit aside and seek God's guidance. The ideal situation for self-control is that we never lose it in the first place. We all know that is not always the case, but we do need to make good use of the fruit of self-control that Jesus died to give us so our hearts are in a state that can seek God through prayer just like Paul said "without ceasing." Because believe me, when the self-control flies out the window our prayerful attitude and awareness goes with it!
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