Rivals or Allies?

Recently, as I was reflecting on discipleship and the important role that self-control plays in the Christian life, I came across an interesting insight. In English, we speak of self-control, while in Spanish the most common translation is "dominio propio" (self-mastery or self-governance). At first glance, they seem equivalent, but in reality, each term emphasizes a slightly different nuance.

In English-speaking contexts, the emphasis tends to be on gradual, disciplined formation—habits built step by step. In Spanish-speaking contexts, dominio propio (self-mastery) highlights the immediate authority to govern oneself in concrete decisions. Both approaches are valuable, but each has limitations if considered in isolation.

What I discovered is that self-control and taking dominion over one's self are not rivals, but allies. In the Christian life, both are gifts of the Spirit (what Jonathan Edwards calls “Holy Affections”—God-given inner emotions and motivations that orient our hearts and move us toward Him) that help us grow and remain steadfast in Christ, even though each highlights a different aspect. When we understand both, our vision of discipleship becomes more complete, richer, and more practical for daily life.

Self-Control and Self-Governance in the Christian Life 

In the Christian life, both self-control and self-governance are gifts of the Spirit that help us grow and remain steadfast in Christ, each highlighting a different nuance.

Self-control describes the gradual process by which a believer is transformed day by day. It happens when we are motivated to take concrete steps and practice spiritual disciplines that foster consistent growth. Self-control prepares us daily, forming the discipline and maturity needed to walk with Christ and, in the process, become more like God.

Self-governance, on the other hand, emphasizes the ability to exercise immediate authority over oneself. It is the firm decision in the moment of temptation: saying “no” to sin and “yes” to Christ. While self-control trains us for long-term growth, self-mastery equips us to act decisively in the heat of the moment.

In other words, self-control progressively shapes us to live in obedience, while self-mastery strengthens us to respond with authority in the moment of struggle. Both complement each other and are essential for our learning and maturity in Christ.

Hebrew and Greek Words: Two Sides of the Same Coin

In the Christian life, self-control and self-governance are two complementary aspects of the Spirit’s work in us, each addressing a different dimension of discipleship. To better understand the richness of these terms, it is helpful to look at the original words behind the biblical translations of self-control and self-mastery.

Hebrew (Self-Mastery; Self-Governance / מָשַׁל):
In the Hebrew Scriptures, The word closest to “self-governance” is מָשַׁל (mashal), which means “to govern” or “to have authority over.” The idea behind this self-mastery is about exercising immediate authority over oneself—ruling your own spirit decisively in the moment of moral choice. It is less about gradually building strength and more about acting as the ruler of your own heart when faced with temptation. Proverbs 16:32 and 25:28 illustrate this vividly: a person who cannot govern themselves is like a city without walls, exposed and vulnerable. In Genesis 4:7, God tells Cain to rule over sin, emphasizing decisive mastery “here and now.” Hebrew thought consistently frames self-governance as responsible, moment-to-moment obedience and authority over oneself.

Greek (Self-Control / ἐγκράτεια):
In the New Testament, the Greek term ἐγκράτεια (enkráteia) literally conveys having mastery or power within oneself. In classical Greek, it referred to the disciplined restraint of desires and appetites, often developed over time through consistent practice, like an athlete training or a philosopher practicing moderation. Paul places enkráteia among the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), presenting it as a gradual, Spirit-formed process of growth that shapes character and Christlikeness over time. The emphasis here is on ongoing discipline and steady formation, rather than isolated moments of decisive action.

Key Distinction:

• Hebrew / Self-Governance: Immediate, decisive authority over oneself in moral choice.

• Greek / Self-Control: Progressive, Spirit-formed restraint that shapes character over time.

Together, these two dimensions are complementary, not opposed. One equips us to act decisively in temptation; the other guides us in the patient formation of a Christlike character. Both reveal how the Spirit works in us: helping us resist in the moment while also growing steadily in holiness.

Biblical Support 

Self-Control (gradual process of growth in discipline): 

• “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV)

• “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23a, NIV)

• “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.” (2 Peter 1:5–6a, NLT)

• “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NLT)
  
  

Self-Mastery/Self-Governance (immediate authority over oneself): 

• "Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.'” (Genesis 4:6-7 NIV)

•  "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.  For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”  (Romans 6:12-14, NIV)

• “Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.” (Proverbs 16:32, NIV)

• “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

• “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28, NIV)

• “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (Titus 2:2, NIV)

Self-Control vs. Self-Governance

English-Speaking Perspective → Self-Control 

• Emphasis: Gradual process, habits, and step-by-step discipline

• Strength: Builds long-term consistency and perseverance

• Limitation: Can remain an endless process without decisive action
  
  

Spanish-Speaking Perspective → Self-Governance (Dominio Propio) 

• Emphasis: Immediate authority over oneself

• Strength: Provides clarity and determination to act here and now

• Limitation: Can demand rapid results without valuing the formative process

Our Part vs. God's Part

Self-Governance

• Our part: In the moment of temptation, we must decide to rule our own spirit and choose obedience to God. This is about acting with authority over ourselves “here and now.”

• God’s part: The Spirit gives us wisdom, conviction, and strength so that we are not left to face the decision alone.

Self-Control

• Our part: Over time, we practice restraint and keep building habits of prayer, discipline, and obedience. This is about steady, daily faithfulness.

• God’s part: The Spirit shapes our hearts gradually, forming Christlike character in us as we keep walking with Him.

Together: One equips us to stand firm in each battle, the other keeps us on the path for the long journey. Both are God’s work in us, but they also call us to respond with faith and obedience.

Complementary Vision in Discipleship 

By recognizing that these two terms are not rivals but allies, we understand that discipleship is not limited solely to habit formation nor exclusively to decision-making; it integrates both aspects in perfect unity. Combining these emphases, discipleship is both the patient discipline of self-control and the firmness of self-governance. The Spirit grants us these two dimensions so we can live a Christ-centered life, persevere on the path, and make courageous decisions in moments of trial.