1 Corinthians 9:25-27 And every man that striveth for the mastery is *temperate* in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: *But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection*: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The last of the fruits that the believer must bear is TEMPERANCE or SELF-CONTROL. What exactly is it? It is the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.

Paul explains that, He keeps under his body, and brings it into subjection. That’s what self control is. There are things that you might be free to do but still you shouldn’t do it. The spirit of self control is what the Bible explains in ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭,

‘Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me].’

That should be on the lips of every child of God. “I could have done this, but I won’t do it, because it’s not beneficial. I can insult back but I won’t do it because it does not edify”. What should control us is The Holy Spirit.

It’s not going to be always rosy and easy. It will be hard mostly, and that’s why there is an INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN for those who practise self control.

This crown is for those who have subdued their flesh against its lusts by discipline. Like the pro athlete, they have learnt to sacrifice sleep, food and all pleasures for the sole purpose of winning the race.

RECEIVE GRACE AND STRENGTH TO BE TEMPERATE AND RUN THIS RACE SO AS TO OBTAIN THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN IN JESUS NAME. Amen.

                GRACEFUL MORNING