Self-Control

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28

The main purpose for building city walls was to protect everything within them against invaders and enemy attacks. There are lots of cities around the world that still have evidence of those tall, thick, fortified walls. The stronger the wall, the greater the defence, and those inside felt safe and secure.

For the most part, when the bible talks about self-control, or temperance, it is mainly in regard to the passions and desires of the flesh; things that are evident like sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, rivalries, drunkenness which we read about in Galatians 5. There is also anger, malice, slander, obscene talk and lies, which are highlighted in Colossians 3. All of these things are in direct conflict with the Spirit and they completely hinder our relationship with God. Self-control is our wall of defence, a wall that is built through the Spirit.

The enemy is looking for the weak part of the wall in our lives; for a crack in the mortar or a little subsidence in the foundation. Any little gap will do. Maybe we look at those passages mentioned above and think, ‘my wall is ok – I don’t worship idols, get involved in sorcery, get drunk or commit adultery and I don’t really envy anyone else’s life’. That’s great but what about spending money, do we have a handle on that? Is our temper under control; do we have a good rein on our tongue?

Self-control covers every aspect of our lives and we all have pitfalls; I know I do and this verse spoke to me visually. The enemy is prowling, so we need to keep ourselves spiritually in check and never become complacent.

If you are struggling to keep something under control, talk to God about it and let the Holy Spirit strengthen the spiritual wall of your life and protect you from within.