Self-mastery is a vital virtue, rare in a world that often glorifies abandoning control. The concept, rooted in the Greek term sophronos, means to save the mind, embodying self-control, moderation, and a sound mind. It reflects spiritual health, appropriate reasoning, and an inner equilibrium that guides character and life conduct, knowing what to do and what to avoid. In the context of alcohol consumption, self-mastery means never allowing impairment of righteous judgment, even slightly, as excess drinking relaxes self-control and increases the likelihood of other wrongful actions. Our Savior Jesus Christ exemplifies self-mastery, maintaining strict control over His mind, words, and actions, even amidst temptation, never sinning by surrendering to base drives. If we aim to reach the stature of Christ, self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, must be a primary goal in our lives. Though it may mean less worldly fun, the reward of self-mastery is fullness of joy and eternal pleasures in God's presence.

Self-control, or self-mastery, is the power over oneself, the virtue that holds appetites in check and regulates conduct without being swayed by sensuous desires. Moderation is a key element in achieving this mastery. A lack of self-control is evident in sins such as lust, greed, gluttony, alcoholism, conceit, sexual sins, gossiping, violent quarreling, and reckless speech, which satan can tempt us to commit if we allow him. Self-control is not solely for personal benefit; it is realized in outgoing concern for others, exceeding self-interest, and resisting actions that may cause pain or weakness to brethren. Producing self-control involves discipline and hard work, as a lack of it shows short-sightedness with long-lasting physical and spiritual damage. If self-control seems impossible, changing circumstances to avoid temptation is necessary. Jesus Christ set an example of self-control by mastering lustful and destructive thoughts, overcoming human tendencies, resisting temptation, and submitting to God's law. Self-control is a manifestation of God's work in man through the Holy Spirit, strengthening the Spirit-controlled mind to resist rebellious desires and tempting pleasures. Self-mastery is essential for fruitful growth in God's character, attained by those led by the Spirit, living and walking in the Spirit, controlling the lusts of the flesh rather than merely suppressing them.

In the midst of a world that often feels chaotic and beyond our grasp, the importance of self-control emerges as a vital aspect of Christian living. Self-control, listed as the ninth fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, is essential, for a Christian cannot be uncontrolled in their manner of life and still reflect the image of a son of God. As exemplified by Jesus Christ and the apostles, true sons of God model lives guided by God's hand while maintaining their free moral agency. The Greek word for self-control, enkrateia, signifies possessing power, strength, and mastery over one's desires and impulses. It encompasses holding in hand the passions and desires, applicable comprehensively to all areas of life. This mastery is implied in many exhortations to obedience, submission, and sinless living. Self-control also includes having good sense, sober wisdom, moderation, and soundness of mind, as opposed to insanity. Proverbs 25:28 illustrates this, stating that whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. Paul uses the metaphor of runners in the Grecian games to highlight the necessity of rigid self-control. A runner must maintain steady, intense concentration and focus, avoiding distractions to run effectively. This single-mindedness, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:33, requires control in all areas of life, as the runner's entire lifestyle impacts the race. The victorious runner follows a rigorous program, abstaining from even legitimate pleasures that do not fit into his disciplined schedule, demonstrating that self-control is not merely about avoiding vice but about prioritizing God's will over personal indulgence. The apostle John identifies three powerful pulls that must be controlled: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as noted in I John 2:16. These worldly desires, if followed, keep us conformed to the world. Our senses can trap us in sin if we are not vigilant, requiring us to turn away from evil impressions as if avoiding imminent danger. The body and mind, with their appetites, can lead us astray if not subdued, and we must learn to subordinate these drives to prevent them from mastering us and leading to sin. Paul's exhortation in Galatians 6:8 warns that sowing to the flesh reaps corruption, while in I Corinthians 9:27, he speaks of disciplining his body to bring it into subjection. The body is a good servant but a bad master, and for our good and God's glory, we must be its master. Sacrifice, a key principle of God's way, requires surrendering our life and controlling it according to God's standards. This costly offering often demands resistance against strong drives to go in contrary directions, yet we must control ourselves to work in God's service. II Timothy 1:6-7 emphasizes that God has given us grace to express self-control, a critical attribute for those preparing for the Kingdom of God. Allowing unbridled freedom to passions and desires is characteristic of the world, not of a Christian. Blind passion should not guide us, for living by animal passions leads to destruction, as God is not mocked, and we reap what we sow. The conflict between flesh and Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:17, underscores the need to set a will above appetites, a reason that cannot be deceived, and a conscience true to God's standards, using the courage, power, and love of God's Spirit to maintain control. Yielding to God in this matter allows us to glorify Him through moderation in all things and rigid resistance to sin.