Self control

3 July 2012         


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


There are those people who I believe God has put on earth simply to test our patience, if we have patience we are assured that it will be tested. Yet similarly self-control has to do with the discipline of self in situations that will impact on us, spiritually, physically and emotionally. As we read in the book of James the hardest to bring under control is our tongues, and it is when we bridle our tongues that we exercise the greatest self-control.


Self control also has to with our exposure to sin and the temptation to sin. It takes self control to say no when it should be no, and yes when it should be yes, and the wisdom to know when. Once we do not exercise self-control we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to every changing mood, fad and desire, we also allow others to use us and abuse us.


When we have self-control we then retain our ability to choose wisely, the authority to implement that choice and the power to see that choice fulfilled. Those who are addicted to substances, those who are dominated by others are unable or unwilling to exercise self-control but give in to their desires and lust. The relationship to self control and a Godly righteous life should be obvious.


Be encouraged today to exercise self-control.


David


Point to ponder: Self-control is a fruit of a disciple of Jesus Christ.


Question to consider: Do you have self-control?