For Heaven’s Sake, Control Yourself!

“A person without self-control.” Pr 25:28 NLT

The boy said, “He made me do it, Dad. He was ugly to me.” Attempting to teach his son responsibility, his father replied, “Son, you’ve got to learn that you are the guard at the door of your own life. You’re in charge. Nothing gets in or out without your permission.” That’s a picture of how things work in your spiritual life! “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”—a defenseless city, because its guard failed to protect it. But what if the enemy is too powerful for you? For God’s people, all warfare is spiritual. Whether you’re tested on the social, financial, emotional or sexual front, the battle must be won spiritually. And the rule in spiritual warfare is: “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1Jn 4:4). When your personal territory is under assault you’re never abandoned to your own devices—unless you choose to be. However inadequate you feel, however intimidating the situation looks, no matter how many battles you’ve already lost, the power of the Holy Spirit within you is always adequate to guarantee your victory. What’s the key to releasing that power? (1) “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires” (Ro 13:14 NLT). Invite the Lord to take the wheel, and redirect your thoughts. (2) “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…self-control” (Gal 5:22-23 NLT). God’s Spirit won’t forcibly control you—but He will enable you to control yourself, resist temptation, master your vulnerability and win the victory.

Share