Digging Deeper: Boxing Day

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on December 26, 2025

 

11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2:11-20 (NLT)


BOXING DAY

 

I have a friend at work who is from just outside of London named Robin. Over the years we have worked together, he has taught me a lot about English customs, including how to decipher quality tea, understand the depths of the promotion and relegation system in European soccer, and gain an appreciation for holiday traditions.

In England, a big deal is made out of December 24 through December 26. Many companies are closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and then Boxing Day. Robin has explained to me that Boxing Day is an extension of the Christmas celebration and includes some unique traditions.

Its origins stem from wealthy English households and their servant staff. Servants would work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and then, as a customary treat, would be given the 26th off. Additionally, their masters would often give gifts in boxes on that day, prompting the term “Boxing Day.”

Now, it has become a day centered around watching soccer, spending time with family, and eating leftover Christmas food. Leftover vegetables are cooked in frying pans and called “bubble and squeak” because of the sound they make while cooking. I wish that when we gained independence from England, we had made an effort to keep Boxing Day in the mix.

This harkens back to a time when servanthood was considered a more noble profession than it often is today. The holiday was a form of respite for the staff, a way to honor them and their hard work.

Jesus himself spoke about our calling to serve others, saying, “…whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43–45).

Horst Schulze, one of the founding members of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, used to inspire his staff by saying, “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” This simple phrase adds a measure of dignity to the role of serving others, something for which the company became well known at an exceedingly high level.

Serving others is noble and dignified, and it is the expectation that has been set before us. For what better example of service could we have than Jesus?

Our work here is to serve others, because that is the example he has set for us. Similar to Boxing Day, we will one day have the chance to rest from our work in eternity. So as you begin to set a course for a new year, perhaps challenge yourself to consider how you can better serve those around you.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Merry Christmas

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on December 25, 2025

 

11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2:11-20 (NLT)


MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Well, today is the day. You might be watching young children tear through wrapping paper, barely noticing what the gift is before searching for the next one. Or maybe you are celebrating abroad on a fantastical trip, or perhaps you are celebrating at home in a lovely, quiet space.

Wherever this Christmas finds you, I hope it is spectacular and centered around meaningful time with the people you care about most.

For us today, there is a great sense of jubilant energy with young children. Nothing quite compares to the feeling of watching someone you care about open a present and then fill with joy. That is among the heights of the parental experience for me, seeing joy on their faces.

We have traditions, as I am sure you do too, that are unique to our family. For one, Deanna and I write all of the gift tags to one another exclusively using inside jokes. Not a single one is addressed to “Lee” or “Deanna.” We also make a French toast bake that smells as good as it tastes and pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee. I smile just thinking about it.

While Christmas can be a time of great joy, it can also be a time of sorrow. We know what it is like to celebrate Christmas under harder circumstances after a season of loss. Christmas in 2013 took place two months after losing our firstborn daughter, and although we did plenty to celebrate, it was a difficult and painful time.

I will be hosting Christmas dinner today at my house for my immediate family. I will be making beef Wellington, and I appreciate your prayers that it turns out well. Among our guests will be my two brothers, one of whom is not a believer. His lack of belief troubles me every day and is a constant motivation for prayer. My hope is that the Lord will call him back to belief, and I am sure you know someone for whom you share this same hope.

Whether this season is celebrated in joy, in grief, or in uncertainty, I hope you can cling to Jesus as the joy and truth above all circumstances. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

The Importance of Resilience

Kevin Burrell on December 24, 2025

 

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESILIENCE

Coming out of high school as a “2-star recruit,” QB Fernando Mendoza was overlooked and lightly recruited. While others chased attention and accolades, Mendoza chased improvement. He arrived on the UC Berkeley campus without definite guarantees, carrying more doubt from outsiders than offers from coaches. Practices were hard, opportunities were scarce, and setbacks were frequent—however, he never quit and continued to improve.

Each season, Mendoza grew. He studied film when no one was watching, embraced competition, and responded to adversity with patience instead of frustration. When he transferred to Indiana University, he didn’t just seize the opportunity—he transformed it. Calm, precise, and unshaken, he led with a poise that reflected years of being tested.

By the time Fernando Mendoza lifted the “2025 Heisman Trophy” last Saturday night, his journey had become a testament to resilience.

“Pressed, not crushed.
Perplexed, not in despair.
Hunted, not abandoned.
Knocked down, not destroyed.”

Stars don’t define destiny. Perseverance outlasts doubt, and being “struck down” is never the same as being “defeated.” Mendoza’s rise proved that belief, self-discipline, grit, and faith in the process can carry an underdog all the way to the pinnacle of college football.

Listen closely: Hardship is a part of life—you can count on it—but defeat doesn’t have to be. You will face pressure, confusion, opposition, and even moments when you feel knocked down; however, none of those struggles have the final word. You may bend, but you’re not broken. You may question, but you’re not hopeless.

Never allow criticism or setbacks to define who you are. Even when others doubt you or attempt to limit you with labels, you are not abandoned or defeated. Why? Because God always has the final word. Strength is found in perseverance—knowing that being “struck down” is not the same as being “destroyed.”

The pain of discipline is always less than the pain of regret. That is the importance of resilience.

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: Christmas Sarajevo 12/24

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on December 24, 2025

 

11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2:11-20 (NLT)


CHRISTMAS SARAJEVO 12/24

 

Serving on the worship team at NorthStar is a true delight for me. I started playing the bass guitar when I was 15, and in spite of what Mike Lindeman says, I do actually know how to play it a little.

Serving alongside great musicians to play worship music is one of the best things I get to do on a Sunday, and this is doubly true during the holiday season. I love playing Christmas songs, and although I cannot sing very well, I love to sing them too.

When I was growing up, I developed an affinity for heavy metal music, and I still enjoy listening to “Christmas Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a song you probably know even if you do not recognize the unusual title. Yet only recently did I learn the origin of the song.

The end of the Cold War caused uncertainty and unrest across parts of Europe. The nation of Yugoslavia, after the death of its unifying leader, broke apart due to complicated and deeply rooted tensions among its regions. What followed was a crisis period involving a multitude of nations, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. A period of civil war ensued, and numerous tragedies occurred.

Among them was the siege of Sarajevo, which lasted nearly four years and cost over 13,000 lives, roughly 5,400 of which were civilians. One morning, in front of a bakery, a mortar attack killed 22 people who were standing in line to buy bread and injured more than 100 others. In the midst of the horror, many wondered what to do.

One local affected by the attack was a man named Vedran Smailović. He was the principal cellist of the Sarajevo Symphony. After the attack, he donned his formal tuxedo, grabbed his cello and a chair, and placed them directly in front of the bakery, at great risk of gunfire, and played Tomaso Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor in memory of each victim. He did this for 22 days straight to honor each person who was killed, often appearing at different times of day to avoid sniper fire.

Incredible photos and videos emerged from this tragedy, showing a man bringing his bow and cello into piles of rubble and bloodshed, attempting to shine a light in a moment of darkness. The humble “Cellist of Sarajevo,” as he became known, was eventually able to escape the war and now lives in Northern Ireland, where he still performs and composes music.

There is a beautiful parallel tucked away in his performance to the birth of Jesus. To us comes our Savior, shining light in the darkness, giving us hope when hope is lost, and reminding us of the beauty around us even when it is hard to see.

The next time you hear “Christmas in Sarajevo,” I hope you will remember how Vedran and his cello brought hope to a broken people. And this Christmas season, may we be reminded that the arrival of Jesus, our perfect gift, brings us eternal hope.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Turtle Doves

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on December 23, 2025

 

11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2:11-20 (NLT)


TURTLE DOVES

 

In our house, we do pizza and a movie every Friday night with our kids. We have a local pizza spot called Little Rosa’s, which is awesome if you live near Holly Springs, and we always get the same thing, then race home and watch a movie.

A few weeks ago, we began cycling through Christmas movies. Our family enjoys all of the usual Christmas movies, including the first two Home Alone movies (as far as I am concerned, they only made two). The kids love them, and so do we.

At the end of Home Alone 2, Kevin presents a gift to a lady he befriends in the movie. The gift is a pair of turtle dove ornaments, one of which he keeps and the other he offers to her. He says that as long as they keep them, they will stay friends forever.

I never thought much of this interaction until this week, when I began studying the passage we reviewed this past Sunday. In Luke 2:24, it says Mary and Joseph offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” as a sacrifice pertaining to Mosaic law at that time (Leviticus 1:14).

I then began to study turtle doves and found them interesting. They are called turtle doves in reference to the call they make, which apparently sounds like “tur, tur,” and they are often noted for their monogamous and lifelong relationships. This adds a great deal of context and a sense of sweetness to the Home Alone scene.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, they were considered a worthy substitute for a sacrifice for families who could not afford a lamb. This is what Mary and Joseph could afford, underscoring their truly humble status.

Clearly, there is a significance to the turtle dove that I did not adequately appreciate. As I learned more about them, one of my favorite descriptions said, “Its lifelong pairing reinforces themes of true companionship, while its cooing sound can signify sorrow, making it a complex figure of devotion and gentle melancholy.”

That may seem like a deep description, but I quite liked it, and I love the parallels it draws to the birth of Jesus. He signifies to us lifelong companionship, sorrow, complexity, and devotion. And like the doves offered by Joseph and Mary, he was offered as a sacrifice on our behalf before God.

As Mike said this past Sunday, through Jesus we can find peace with God. I pray this truth settles on your heart this week as we approach Christmas and remember what gift has been given to us.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: That’s What Christmas is All About

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on December 22, 2025

 

11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2:11-20 (NLT)


THAT’S WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT

 

One of the best things about Christmas, to me, is all of the tradition and pageantry that accompany it. The movies, the songs, the food, oh man, the food. All of those things that have become ingrained in our annual celebrations make the season so much more enriching and enjoyable.

One hallmark of the season for Deanna and me is A Charlie Brown Christmas. We may be old school, but the cartoon special and its iconic musical score give it a special place in our Christmas festivities.

I recently pulled it up and read the plot description listed for it, and it was interesting to me. It reads, “Feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang’s holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the ‘perfect’ tree, and discover the true meaning of Christmas?”

The commercialism of Christmas? And this is from 1965. But that last line, regarding the “true meaning of Christmas,” is what sticks out to me. This holiday means many things to many people, but what should it mean to us as followers of Christ?

In somewhat controversial fashion, the 60-year-old cartoon did not mince words about the meaning of Christmas. If you have never seen it, after a myriad of difficulties Charlie Brown is feeling sorry for himself. The play is not going well, leading him to say, “Everything I do turns into disaster. I guess I really don’t know what Christmas is all about. Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Then his friend Linus says, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He then walks to the center of the stage and reads directly from the Bible, Luke 2:8–14:

“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Linus picks up his blanket, which never once leaves his arm except for this moment, and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

We have two young boys at home and are in a season of life where Christmas excitement is at a fever pitch. The thrill of it all, especially the gifts, pulses through our house. So let’s enjoy the music, the movies, and the food, but let’s never forget what Christmas is all about.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper – What is Expected of the Newborn?

Avatar photo David Griffith on December 19, 2025

 

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of the great joy which shall be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:8-11 (NASB)

 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE NEWBORN?

 

God sent His only Son (John 3:16), not to judge the world (John 3:17), but to save the nations from an eternity of separation from Him. This process is called being born again. So what does God the Father expect from His newborns? Is it perfection from day one? If the metaphor holds true (and it does), then the only thing God expects from His new creations is belief, and dirty diapers. Pretty simple, really. It is also pretty natural. I have never met anyone who did not believe that their father was actually their father and did not have a desire to please him. I have also not met anyone who did not mess up during the growing and maturing process and was not subjected to the loving correction of that good father. And good fathers love spending time with their children, just as children can’t wait to spend time with their fathers. It is the father and son, and daddy and daughter, relationship that continues to grow throughout our lives.

Another two-dollar word for this process of maturation is called progressive sanctification (okay, two two-dollar words).

It is no different in the spiritual realm of this Father and child relationship we now find ourselves in. Our Father wants to spend time with us so that He can impart His love and His wisdom and understanding into our lives. Why? So that we can impact a lost and dying world, so that the world we live in can see the Father in us. And as we spend more time with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we experience God’s loving care more and more deeply, and that makes us want to spend more and more time with Him. God loves when we do that, versus when we do spiritual stuff out of obligation or duty. He wants our presence, not our sacrifice. (Read Luke 10:38-42 about Mary and Martha.)

After we are born again, our lives are a long-term maturation process in which God is molding us into the image of His Son (read the first three chapters of Ephesians). We are literally becoming like Jesus. And we will mess up, just like all kids do. But my mistakes cannot outpace God’s mercy. His grace is always sufficient to overcome my sin. After all, God sent His Son into the world as a Savior of my soul… and yours too (John 3:17).

Have a glorious Christmas, Northstar Family!

 

 

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!

Digging Deeper – But How Does God Change the Heart of Man?

Avatar photo David Griffith on December 18, 2025

 

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of the great joy which shall be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:8-11 (NASB)

 

BUT HOW DOES GOD CHANGE THE HEART OF MAN?

 

This is perhaps the most misunderstood and controversial question in the “big C” Church. Whole denominations are started over this question. So where do we find the answer? One answer is found in John chapter 3. Yes, that John chapter 3 where verse 16 is found. But I submit to you that verses 1 through 15 and verse 17 are far more important and relevant to this question than the more famous verse 16. Let’s read some highlight verses:

Verse 3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This is the answer to the question that the teacher of the law, the Pharisee Nicodemus, has not even asked yet. Basically, Nicodemus was saying, “Jesus, I know you are God inspired, God sent, God something. But I can’t understand what is happening right now, and you scare me. Help me understand.”

So Jesus explains the unexplainable to a finite mind. “Nicodemus, you must be born again. New birth must be provided for you. You must be recreated, but not physically; spiritually. And the only way for this to happen is through a Savior who will bring about the rebirthing process so you can see the kingdom of God (Luke 2 passage above). This is good news, Nicodemus. You do not have the ability to birth yourself spiritually. You need Me. You need the Spirit to accomplish this for you. There is nothing for you to do. There is nothing that you can do. No different than a human birth. The baby has no role until after the birth is complete.”

And Nicodemus was amazed and confused. You see, he came from a world of do’s and don’ts. There had to be something for him to do. Why? Because in a world of accomplishment and hard work (sound familiar?), success in everything only comes from effort, including salvation and holiness. Jesus is telling him, no. Salvation only comes from a Savior. Saviors save. Victims get saved. It is simple and unknowable at the same time.

And then Jesus drives the point home in verse 17:
“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.”

The word “world” is the word used for “nations” or “people groups,” showing that this salvation was open to not just the Jews.

So how does God change the heart of man? He just does. Again, from yesterday: if you are struggling with Jesus, then the chances are good that you are being born again. It is not comfortable for the baby in the birth canal. But eventually the childbirth process completes itself and the baby comes out of the darkness of the womb and into the light of life. Do not struggle against the pressure being exerted on you. And do not be afraid. You are not being judged; you are being redeemed by the Savior.

Tomorrow we will look at what is expected of the newborn.

 

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!

The Priority of Self-Control

Kevin Burrell on December 17, 2025

 

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

 

THE PRIORITY OF SELF-CONTROL

As adults, we experience different temptations. Like a heat-seeking missile, they come at us all day and every day. This is why the need for self-control is just as strong. Deep inside, we have a desire to obey God. Self-control keeps us from putting personal purchases on the company’s expense account. It applies the brakes when fleshly desires drive us to the wrong environments. It bites our tongue when we are just about to make a sarcastic comment. It gets us out of bed on time in the morning and prods us to press on when hardships pressure us to quit.

In fact, all nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 need self-control to function. Maybe that is the reason self-control is the final virtue; it fortifies the rest. Love may be the heart of the virtues, but self-control is the muscle.

Let’s lean in and take a closer look at this action-oriented fruit of the Spirit that helps us obey God and keeps our hand out of the cookie jar.

1) Self-Control in Our Morals

Moral self-control is not gritting our teeth and trying harder. It is learning to let the Holy Spirit strengthen our will and reshape our desires. Holiness becomes possible not because we are strong, but because He is.

Self-control in our morals looks like:

• Choosing purity when temptation whispers.
• Upholding integrity when compromise seems easier.
• Walking in obedience even when no one else sees.

2) Self-Control in Our Motives

Motives are the hidden engine of our actions. We can say and do the right things with motives rooted in pride, fear, or self-gain. The Holy Spirit invites us to surrender even the unseen places of our heart to Him.

Self-control in our motives means pausing long enough to ask:

• Why am I doing this?
• Is this for God’s glory or my own?
• Would I do this if no one ever noticed?

3) Self-Control in Our Mouth

Words can heal or wound, build up or tear down. Our tongue is often the hardest part of us to surrender, but it is also the clearest evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work.

Spirit-led self-control in our speech means:

• Pausing before responding.
• Refusing to participate in gossip.
• Speaking truth in love, not in harshness.
• Choosing silence when our mouth wants the last word.

Listen closely: Self-control is not a fruit we produce by self-effort; it is a fruit the Holy Spirit grows in us as we yield our will to God’s will. Every time we pause, pray, and choose obedience, we make room for Christ’s character to shine through us.

This week, may the Spirit of God cultivate in you a self-control that reflects Jesus: steady, humble, surrendered, and powerful in love.

 

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

 

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper – Jesus Can Change Your Heart Right Now

Avatar photo David Griffith on December 17, 2025

 

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of the great joy which shall be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:8-11 (NASB)

 

JESUS CAN CHANGE YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW

 

Have you ever heard the comment, “Trust your heart”? Cute, isn’t it? It looks good on a coffee mug or in a picture frame in the den. But more deceitful words were never spoken, at least according to Scripture. Let’s look at some of the words of God, shall we?

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?

1 Corinthians 2:14
But a natural man (an unsaved man) does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

You see, our hearts are not to be trusted when it comes to the big decisions of life. Why? Because the heart will lead us to do what feels good in the moment but is not good in light of eternity.

But God’s Spirit, which resides in our hearts after salvation, is to be trusted. I mean, let’s get real about the heart when it comes to decision making. Is it really the heart that makes decisions? I do not believe so. It is the mind that makes decisions, and those decisions are often influenced by hormones released in the moment. Dopamine or adrenaline makes us feel a certain way, which leads to choices that may or may not be productive.

But the Holy Spirit’s work in my saved heart is to be trusted. If you are not yet a believer but you are interested in finding out more about this Jesus fellow, or the church, or Christianity in general, that is probably the Holy Spirit drawing you to Jesus, changing your heart. And it may have been happening for quite some time in your life.

In our Luke passage, the shepherds were just going about their business. Shepherding sheep is a pretty mundane existence, after all. And who knows what consumed their thoughts on that night or any night. But suddenly the angel of the Lord appears and they are filled with fear and awe. I personally do not think it is possible not to be filled with some fear when the Holy Spirit comes into your life to reveal the truth about Jesus.

God can change your heart (your mind) right now, today.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart (your whole inner being, trust Him completely), and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

If God is drawing you through the power of His Spirit to embrace the truth of the Gospel, the Good News, please do not resist. Jesus loves you and paid the ultimate price to save you. Embrace Him!

 

 

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!