A Wall of Defense
Are you ruling your spirit? Self-control is a sure mark of a strong character, while a lack of self-control is an evidence of weakness. The Bible demonstrates this truth very clearly when it says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)
Self-control is like the walls of an ancient city. They were a source of strength and safety. There are four walls of self-control that every person should build around his character. First, you need to control your temper. An uncontrolled temper is a weakness. The Bible warns, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20) Second, you need to control your thirsts. An uncontrolled thirst is a weakness. Alexander the Great conquered his known world but died in a drunken stupor, a pitiful victim of uncontrolled appetites. There is no magic formula for controlling alcohol. It takes two things: God and guts. Proverbs 20:1 warns, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Third, you need to control your tongue. This is the most difficult of all walls to maintain. The Bible says, “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2) Fourth, you need to control your thoughts. The Scriptures say, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) If we cannot control our thoughts, we cannot control our lives. Do you have a strong and safe defense system? Don’t be left open for defeat. Build a wall of defense around your life by putting Jesus Christ in control.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.