But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
The importance of self-control is often overlooked in our busy world. Kids want what they want and they want it now! Unfortunately that is true for adults too.
- God, who is much smarter than any of us, has given the instruction to be self-controlled. Consider Galatians 5:22-23 – Self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We’re told in 2 Peter 1:5-6 – Add to your faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness.
- But wait! There’s more!! A New York Times article suggests that self-control goes hand in hand with success in education, marriage, and career. In addition, the Journal of Pediatrics reported findings linking self-control and good health.
- Parents can help their children develop this virtue. Modeling self-control in purchases and relationships and helping children practice self-control is important. So is teaching your children how to express disappointment and frustration without tantrums. This is a part of displaying self-control.
- Teaching kids self-control is a key in discipline. A child is able to make more and more good choices as they learn to monitor their own decisions – to be self-disciplined. Helping young children become self-disciplined will help them resist many of the temptations that come with the teenage years.
- Self-control is the precursor to the best-case scenario, God-control. Self-control and self-discipline are trumped by God-control and God-discipline. It’s never too late and it’s never too early to begin to cultivate that virtue in a child.
When have your children exhibited self-control?
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