“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
Nobody puts the words “self-control” up in neon lights. It’s not something that necessarily makes us fun at parties or especially attractive to the opposite sex. Or does it? What wisdom is going to teach us during this next week is that self-control is a key ingredient to being better at everything in our lives – including living for God.
Self-control isn’t complicated. It’s just the ability to tell ourselves one word: “no.” It’s the ability to stop ourselves from doing what comes naturally, to slow down our momentum, to shut up, to cool off, to turn down seconds (or thirds). Self-control is the ability to put the brakes on when we’d rather go faster.
Today’s proverb says that without self-control, we’re defenseless against attack. We’re weak. When the heat is on, we can’t take it. Unless we’re stronger than our selves sometimes, we’re not that strong, after all.
Stick around this week and let’s find some self-control together.
Think: What are some of the areas of your life in which you struggle to tell yourself “no”? How can being a Christian help you to exercise better self-control?
Pray: Ask God to help you to have more self-control in your life.
Do: Read Galatians 5:22-23 and notice the best source of self-control for Christians.