Flavor 31 – Self-Control (Enkrateia)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence, and Significance: Self-Control (or Enkrateia in Greek), the last of the nine Fruit of the Spirit, is the end result of a very fruitful process of growth.  Just like the previous eight fruits of the Spirit, Self-Control is deeply rooted in your engagement with the preceding 30 Flavors of Wisdom and serves as the culminating result of a fruitful growth process that cultivates wisdom in both your life and relationships.

Equally, try not to put too much “Self” in “Self-Control,” because it’s not really empowered by you.  That’s a lot of pressure on yourself to produce Self-Control!  Rather, Self-Control, like Wisdom, is authored, and receives its energy, and power from God (1.0), who is more than happy to grow and mature this virtue inside of you for your edification (1.5), and for the edification of others (2.0;  John 15:4 – 5).  Like freshly plowed soil, our role is to keep our hearts and minds open to receive the previous 30 Flavors of Wisdom, and then practice them consistently, much like planting seeds every six inches into fertile ground. This repetition of wise behaviors builds both confidence and competence, empowering you to grow and embody the 31 Flavors of Wisdom.  Seen in this way, your consistent practice of the previous 30 Flavors of Wisdom (and with the practice of any Wisdom Tool or Healthy Adult Mode behavior), two things will occur.

First, you’ll build competence in your ability to produce wise behaviors, which if done consistently, will also rebuild trust.  Second, guess what behavior you’re not doing, but more importantly, guess what you are doing when you’re engaged in the practice wise behavior?  You got it, Self-Control, empowered and grown due to your connection to your loving Higher Power. Self-Control is best grown and matured into a sweet fruit when your best defense is a good, if not great offense, so plant, practice and get really good at painting these 31 Flavors of Wisdom into the mosaic of your life on a consistent basis!

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: Practically, Self-Control is far more than your ability to resist immediate temptation(s).  Self-Control is the empowering result of the choices you make that promotes your physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. The “nutritional value” of Self-Control is profound; it cultivates a fruitful and disciplined life, which leads to personal growth, healthier relationships, and a deeper connection with your Higher Power. By exercising Self-Control in this manner, you’re preparing yourself to be able to navigate challenges effectively, maintain integrity, make progress with your goals, and experience freedom beyond shame attacks and the “tyranny of the shoulds, musts and always.”

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “Everyone I encounter deserves to receive some of form of seasoning from me.​ It makes sense that my character will strengthen and grow the more I practice these behaviors associated with wisdom, and with God’s help, I’ll experience self-control as the occurrences of unhealthy behavior is reduced. Man, Solomon was right: ‘The dream comes through much effort, but the voice of a fool through many words’ (Ecclesiastes 5:3; NASV). I don’t need to say it but show it. This is a challenge, and I’m going to commit to a year of becoming skilled at living by practicing these 31 Flavors of Wisdom.”

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.