The Fruit of Self Control:
Self control is defined as restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires, according to Webster’s dictionary; the ability to manage one's impulses, emotions, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals; what separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom.
Self-control is primarily rooted in the prefrontal cortex the planning, problem-solving, and decision making center of the brain.
Self-control is the quality that allows you to stop yourself from doing things you want to do but that might not be in your best interest.
Self control, is a cognitive process that is necessary for regulating one's behavior in order to achieve specific goals.
“And this was the workmanship of the lampstand, hammered work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was hammered work; according to the pattern that the Lord had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.” - Numbers 8:4
God commanded that a menorah of pure gold was to be made. Remember it was a command that required full obedience of Moses and the children of Israel showing self control.
Building a nation of people after all those years of slavery took time. The instructions the Father gave to the children of Israel required self control.
The Father's goal is to make us better individuals and communities. Self control is the Fruit of the Spirit that brings the desired result.
“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come may see the light.” - Luke 11:33
The candle we light tonight along with the other candles remind us of the progressive order they follow to achieve self control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self control come to life through intentionality.
Let your light shine brightly with intentionality.
Happy Chanukah,
Todd
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