Self-Control

Self-control... What do you think of when you hear this word? The first thing that comes to mind for me is will power and I don't find will power a very exciting word. Sometimes I have lots of will power, sometimes I don't. Some things can be easier to have will power for than others. Which can leave you feeling discouraged and you go on to tell yourself "better try harder next time".

Thankfully as followers of Christ, self-control is so much stronger and goes deeper than mere will power. It can be built and strengthened. I found the image in Proverbs 25:28 helpful in understanding self-control in a way I have never thought of. It says,

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." 

If self-control is like a wall how is it built? Can it actually be improved? Can it be eroded away?

Jesus demonstrates this for us when He was lead into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Satan provides many opportunities for Jesus to give in and throw self-control to the side but Jesus shows us how to respond. He responds with confidence in who He is, who His Father is, and with the word of God. 

I believe if when we are tempted, rather than just "trying harder", we follow Christ's model of knowing who we are in Him, knowing who our Father is, and applying scripture, our walls will be strengthened. On the other hand when we give into temptation our wall starts to erode. That is what the enemy wants. Satan said to Jesus "All these I will give to you, if you fall down and worship me."

Lord only you are worthy of worship. Help us deny our flesh and do what is pleasing in Your sight. Would Your spirit strengthen any weak areas in our wall of self-control. Amen.