Lacks Self-Control… “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28
Do you walk your dog on a busy highway? No, because any slight lunge toward a speeding automobile could mean certain death. Why place ourselves in situations that tempt us beyond our ability to refrain? It is unwise, at the least, and could destroy us, at the worst, to linger long in compromising situations. Make sure you are at the right place at the right time. The Lord has given you guidelines on where to go and where not to go.
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Self-control is on the offensive to promote character and a clear conscience. If your conscience applauds and the world hisses, stay the course, but if your conscience hisses and the world applauds, beware. Be alert to model high morals and not mediocrity. How can a man or woman rule others if they can’t rule themselves?
Moreover, self-control comes from the Holy Spirit’s control from within. “The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control” (Galatians 5:22a-23b). Daily submission of myself to Christ, emptying of my pride and pretense, and then, by faith, to be filled by the Holy Spirit is the solution for self-control. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 5:22-24). Is my self-control empowered by the Holy Spirit? Do I avoid compromising situations and seek the high road of self-control?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 20:30; Proverbs 16:32; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
