Proverbs 25:28 – “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city
broken down, without walls.”
The ability to rule one’s spirit is a huge accomplishment in the art of self- mastery. Without it the comparison is to a city broken down whose walls are non-existent. When we lack self-control we are vulnerable and exposed. There is no protection for us. There is no concealment and therefore, no safety.
Notice that the walls are not broken down. They are simply not to be found. It’s what’s inside the walls that’s broken. When a person exhibits a lack of self-control it’s an indication that something is broken inside. Anger, lust, inordinate focus on outward things, excessive buying, compulsive behaviors…these are all evidence that something needs to be fixed internally.
The New Testament life is characterized by self-control. Consider the following scriptures:
Acts 24:25 – “Now as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’”
2 Peter 1:5,6 – “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self- control perseverance, to perseverance godliness…”
Galatians 5:22,23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
So, how do we become more self-controlled? Peter mentions in the above verse that we have to be very diligent about it. We cannot approach it casually. We must make every effort in this area. It must be a part of an intentional growth plan. Peter talks about building upon our faith and our virtue and our knowledge. It will be a process. Be committed to growth in these areas. Secondly, pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to come forth in your life. Give way to the Spirit instead of the flesh. Make conscious decisions to exercise self-control and pray that God will shine through you. In this way you will not be a broken down city.