Archived Verse Of the Week

A lack of self-control is one of the most disturbing things you can go through in life. People who lack self-control have no boundaries and no constraints on how they act or what they do. They insist on getting their way in everything, regardless of the consequences for others. 

 

Unfortunately, this also leaves them weak and vulnerable; in most cases, they are unable to recognize their out-of-control behaviour. They become "wise in their own eyes" (Proverbs 12:15) and unwilling to rein in their anger and compulsiveness. 

 

The only way to maintain self-control is to surrender it to the Lord. Only He can work through a person to change the heart and mind, leading to the right actions (Read Psalm 119:01). 

 

Man is a city built by the hand of God himself from the beginning for His pleasure. Matthew 5: 14 says: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden". So it's interesting to know that the Bible did not refer to or compare us to a village but a city!

 

You must be aware of the creation account, which states that once man succumbed to the devil's temptation, he was separated from God. However, God made provision to save man through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus and because of that, we have salvation and redemption; we have gained access by faith to all that pertains to life and godliness (Read Romans 5:2-18). This tells you that the victory over whatever you are struggling with has already been won, so reach out and receive it!

 

Proverbs 25:28 states, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls." As a result, I suppose it's acceptable for me to say, "A man who can't control himself is like a city that's slowly crumbling down and without walls." Its significance in a believer's life cannot be overstated. The city wall was one of the most critical structures while ancient cities were being built. It was significant because it protected and fortified the city. Without question, a city's walls are its first line of defence when an adversary attacks. Once the wall is destroyed, the city is left exposed and vulnerable to invasion by outsiders, military attacks, or even natural disasters like floods.

 

The Bible uses this metaphor to characterize someone who lacks spiritual control. If you'll note, the spirit—not the body—was alluded to here. Self-control does not come from the outside of a man; it comes from within. So we may conclude that a man lacking self-control is one whose spirit is open to the devil's attacks and susceptible to them.

 

James 1:14 says: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." This means that whenever you are tempted, your capacity for self-control is put to the test. Even when no one can see what you are thinking, self-control enables you to stop yourself from giving in to your sinful inclinations. In the end, self-control is the capacity to be ruled by the Holy Spirit rather than the sinful self.

 

The desires of the flesh are so numerous and insatiable, and the devil capitalizes on this to bring many believers down. He is chasing your spirit because he knows that everything else will be easy once he has it. Galatians 5: 17-21 (Read) tells us there is a continuous war between the flesh and the spirit, but thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ! What is paramount is that you remain vigilant and rooted in God's word. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour," 1 Peter 5:8. 

 

Many of us associate self-control with BIG things, yet it all starts with the small stuff. Balance and moderation are essential for self-control. It could be related to food, study, sleep, anger, patience, humility, sexual desire, modern technology, or something else. Philippians 4:5 says: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand". We must continually train and discipline ourselves, just as an athlete does.

 

The practice of self-control can be a challenging process. It can sometimes be agonizing and uncomfortable, just like physical exercise. It might hurt you to your core to restrain yourself from something or someone to which you have grown accustomed. But as soon as you experience discomfort, you start to build up new self-control muscles. Even though it might take a little longer, you'll be glad you persisted. "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8.

 

You must always keep in mind that there will be a cost associated with achieving any kind of personal improvement. The devil gets angry when you advance spiritually. Because there will always be challenges and opposition along the way, it will take a lot of tenacity and resolve, but rely on the Lord and pray to our heavenly Father.

 

It takes self-control to follow all that God instructs us to do. Galatians 5:16 says: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Keep in mind that the verb "walk" denotes a continuous process. Self-control is a "fruit" of the Spirit that can only be obtained through God.

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So choose to strengthen your spiritual wall. Make a concerted effort to exercise self-control in all you do.