Self-Discipline versus Self-Control

     These days I am reading a book called The Shack, it is a wonderful book by William Paul  Young.  Not only am I reading his book, a book of self-examination, I think, but I am also watching his videos on Up Faith and Family.  

     This morning as I was watching the video that I am up to, Paul was speaking about self-discipline versus self-control.  I had never really considered what I was about to hear.  He said that "self-discipline is of the flesh and self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23). Now I did know this, but I had never really considered these two ways of thinking about these processes.

     Now any of you who have read my blogs in the past know that I am a good one for looking up definitions...

     The following definitions are straight from Google Search:

          Self-discipline - the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.  "his observance if his diet was a show of tremendous will power and self-discipline"

          Self-control - the ability to control oneself in particular, one's emotions and desires, or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations.  "Lucy struggled for self-control"

     I had been working, taking care of three of my wonderful grandchildren.  And while I was doing this and especially now when I am not caring for them on a daily basis, I realize that one of the things we must teach our children and our grandchildren is the fruits of the spirit. 

      And if we haven't mastered them ourselves, well there is no time like the present, if this is possible.  It is frequently good to teach others the things we are trying to master ourselves.  But keep in mind that all things take time to learn.

     Children have joy down pat!  This is one we adults should look at much more closely.   And if you have a child that is joyless, oh now that could be a significant problem.  As an adult, I have lost my joy in the past, not a fun place to be.  The only way I have found to fix this situation is by going to the Lord.

     With joy comes peace.  Without joy, there is no peace.  Again go to the Lord.

     Forbearance...google dictionary says...

patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.  I think we ALL need to work on this.  I know I do.

     Gentleness - this is a one that we as adults understand, but, try teaching this to little ones, little tough.

     And that brings us to self-control if God says this is a good thing for us as Christians to have and/or to display as part of our character, then this is definitely something which we need to be vigilant.

     So man says we need self-discipline, and God says we need self-control.  

     Which path will you choose?