Under Control
Today's Verse:
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. ~Proverbs 25:28
This morning, we are meditating on the topic of self-control. By self-control, I am referring to your ability to contain yourself when things in your life do not go as expected, or when a sudden change of events occurs that touches your hot button. Each of us needs to closely examine our inner spirit and honestly evaluate if we are someone prone to explosive and uninhibited behavior.
We see the menace to self-control.
Our spirit is that part of us that exhibits how we feel and react to a given set of circumstances. A person who gets angry easily has a spirit that is out of control. He tends to be volatile, moody, and temperamental. His emotional outbursts could include yelling, swearing, breaking things, and being physically confrontational. Lacking self-control makes you socially offensive and someone whom others would rather avoid. Lacking self-control can cause loss of trust, responsibility, and confidence. You become your own worst enemy.
We see the metaphor to self-control.
The lack of self-control is compared to a city that is broken down and without walls. The enemy found points of vulnerability and toppled that city. It is a city that is vulnerable to attack and pillage. It is a city where its citizens flee for safety. It is a city that shows every sign of having been overthrown and in the possession of an enemy force. When our spirit is out of control, Satan has a stronghold on our thoughts and judgment. We’ve given place to Satan and have lost our good testimony and effectiveness.
We see the means to self-control.
We are called upon to claim rule or control over our spirit. First, we must confess the sins that have become strongholds and barriers to our growth. We must confess our pride, bitterness, anger, wrath, malice, evil speaking, clamor, and unkindness. Second, we must walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. The Spirit life must be given control. This will entail obedience to the Word of God and spending much time in prayer. Third, we must seek to be responsive and not reactive to our circumstances or to people who are adversarial to us. Fourth, we must die to self daily in order to achieve victory.
All of us have tendencies that can lead to a lack of self-control. We must take the bull by the horns and crucify an out-of-control spirit. Don’t let an angry spirit rule over you. Have faith in the power of the Spirit to make you a victor over the enemy of self.
Have a disciplined God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 36-38