Distinguished from the Crowd

Week 4: Distinguishing Marks

Your spirit not your stature distinguishes you from the crowd.
Proverbs 16: 32

The most mature fruit of the Spirit is self-control yet it is the first quality we teach our children. We teach them to keep their food somewhere between their plate and their mouth. We teach them to control their responses in gratitude and say, “Thank you.” We teach them to ask for things humbly by saying, “Please.”

For us as adults what sets us apart from others is our ability to exercise self discipline and control. An author is distinguished by their time writing. An athlete or artist is set apart by their training and practice. A teacher is set apart by her preparation and attention to detail. A coach is set apart by how he focuses his passion for the game into the heart of the players on the team. A person of business is set apart by her diligence and focus on the bottom line.

When we raised grapes we had optimal growth because everything began in a growth funnel, and then as they matured the vines were aligned and banded to the wires of the trellis. The harvest was far above what was expected because we controlled and pruned the vines so vigorously. In what ways do you need to be vigorous in self-control? How would this make you exceptional?