But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…
– Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
Self-control in an athletic arena also may be called self-discipline, the ability to discipline yourself to achieve a goal. If we can believe what we read, an amazing example of self-discipline is Tom Brady, the long-time NFL QB. He is 42 years old in a league where some players are half his age. Brady attributes his longevity to his self-discipline, both working out in the off-season and, more famously, to his diet (he even wrote a book on how to eat for peak performance).
Self-discipline from the world’s perspective will typically be for self-gain. What will it do for my career, my fame, or my status? The Fruit of Self-control from the Holy Spirit will always be others-focused. If we don’t get this, all nine of the FOTS will be lost. First Corinthians 9:25 reads. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
At Eternity Sports, we call it Playing For Eternity!
Like the other FOTS we may be tempted to try to will and work our way to self-control. It is our nature as athletes and probably what will help you succeed in the game you play. However, we need Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit to develop consistent self-control in each of us. It will be used by God for the building up of others, and ultimately to bring God glory. Let’s not forget ultimate prize we play for. There are certain disciplines of our faith that we should be practicing – regular prayer, consistent reading/meditating on God’s Word, and committed time with others in the Body of Christ, to name a few. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. That means it is a product or result of the work of God’s Spirit in your life. We play a part by cooperating with Him in His renewing work in us, but the FOTS is His work in us.
Training Exercise
- How might each of these verses impact how self-control could play out in your sport?
- Proverbs 16:32 – Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
- Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
- Which of the disciplines of our faith listed above (regular prayer, consistent reading/meditating on God’s Word, and committed time with others in the Body of Christ) will you ask God to help you become more consistent in?
