The Security Of Self-control

Ruth

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

—Proverbs 25:28

In the ancient world, cities were often protected by strong and sturdy walls. These walls surrounded the city, keeping those who lived there secure from outside threats. So having broken city walls put the people in a dangerous and vulnerable spot.

The writer of Proverbs used this familiar imagery to illustrate the importance of having and exercising self-control: “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). A city can have walls that are strong in one place but not in another. These holes or compromised sections of one part of the wall can leave us at risk. Just as strong walls were the secret to a strong and secure city, self-control is one important characteristic of a strong and secure person.

So what is self-control, and how can we experience more of the security it promises? It’s helpful to think of self-control as a combination of our desires and our decisions. Self-control is a grace that God increasingly gives us as we abide in Christ and keep in step with His Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). As we are being changed from the inside out, we should begin to experience a change in our desires. The Holy Spirit gives us new desires and longings that are set on honoring Christ.

But self-control is also making God-honoring decisions fueled by our changing desires. With renewed desires and decision making, we begin to live with greater wisdom. We are no longer slaves to whatever thought enters our minds. Our bodies don’t have mastery over us. Sinful emotions don’t take us captive.

Self-control is a gift of God’s grace that guards you. Where are you lacking self-control? What parts of your “wall” are broken through? God wants to not only settle your soul but also secure it. Open your heart today to the work of His Spirit. Let Him fill you and fortify your life through His presence and power.

Father, fill me with Your Spirit. Show me the broken walls in my life. Give me grace and wisdom. Cultivate in me the fruit of self-control. Take my thoughts, attitudes, longings, emotions, and members of my body and make them pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How have your “broken walls” been dangerous to you, your family, or those around you?

What is one way you can begin to experience and exercise greater self-control?