L.E.M.O.N. - Amy Sapp

Spiritual Growth and Self-Control

Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Have you ever bitten into a lemon expecting something sweet? The sour shock wakes up your taste buds! Lemons can be intense, but they are also refreshing, and full of nutrients.

Do you love lemons? Or maybe you don't love lemons, by themselves. But you love them as an added flavor.

In our Christian walk, we often face sour moment times that challenge our self-control and maybe even faith. However, just as lemons bring cleansing and health benefits, these moments can help us grow spiritually.

We will use the acronym LEMON to look at five key areas of self-control that help us grow in our faith.

L ~ Listen to the Holy Spirit

John 10:27

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

One of the greatest struggles in self-control is filtering out distractions and truly listening to God. The Holy Spirit speaks through God's Word, prayer, and conviction. When we rush ahead without stopping to listen, we act on impulse rather than wisdom.

Think about Sarah in the Bible. Instead of waiting for God's promise of a child, she took matters into her own hands, leading to unnecessary struggles (Genesis 16).

Are we making decisions out of being impatient or TRULY listening to God's direction? Take time to be still, study His Word, and listen.

E ~ Examine Your Heart

Psalm 139:23

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:"

Self-control requires self-awareness. If we do not examine our hearts, we may not recognize the areas where we are struggling.

Here is an example... King David, even as a man after God's heart, had moments where he lacked self-control (2 Samuel 11). However, he was willing to examine his heart and repent.

We can ask God to reveal hidden struggles whether it's in our words, attitudes, or habits. Confession to God can lead to spiritual cleansing.

M ~ Manage Your Emotions

Proverbs 25:28

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

Our emotions are God-given, but without self-control, they can lead us astray. Anger, fear, or anxiety can cause us to REACT instead of respond in faith.

Moses was a great leader, but his unchecked anger led him to strike the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded (Numbers 20:10-12). This cost him entry into the Promised Land.

Instead of reacting impulsively, take a deep breath, pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your response. I know this is easier said than done. Do not react out of anger or bitterness.

O ~ Obey God's Word

James 1:22

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Obedience to God's Word strengthens our self-control. If we know Scripture but do not apply it, we leave ourselves vulnerable to temptation.

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness but responded with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). His obedience kept Him on the right path.

Are there areas where we struggle to obey? Whether it's in our thoughts, words, or actions, let's focus more on being doers of the Word.

N ~ Nourish Your Spirit

1 Peter 2:2

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."

Just as lemons provide health benefits, we must nourish our spiritual lives to grow in self-control. Without spiritual nourishment, we become weak and more likely to sin.

Look at Mary, she chose to sit at Jesus feet and listen to Him, while Martha was distracted by many things (Luke 10:38-42). Spiritual nourishment helps us focus on what truly matters.

How are we feeding our spirits? Are we spending time in prayer, worship, and studying the Word?

Just as a lemon may be sour at first but refreshing in the end, self-control may feel difficult but leads to spiritual growth.

L ~ Listen to the Holy Spirit.

E ~ Examine your heart.

M ~ Manage your emotions.

O ~ Obey God's Word.

N ~ Nourish your spirit.

Let's ask God to help us embrace self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, trusting that He will refine and strengthen us for His glory.

Read your Bible, pray every day, pray every day, pray every day

and you'll grow.. GROW.. GROW!!!