Proverbs 25:28 (AMP)  He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

The walls of the city were a critical element is the livelihood of every citizen within. They provided a place of safety from wild beasts and marauding bandits. Within these walls there was shelter and comfort providing rest for the weary, peace of mind and a sense of tranquility. To neglect the care and maintenance of the city walls was to invite danger, death and destruction. 

Think about it for a moment. How many times has the lack of self control loosened a few bricks in your wall? Personally I have lost count! While I have a reputation for being self controlled, I must admit there have been to many times in my life when it was missing. The lack of self control is evident all around us with bad eating habits, flashing tempers, lust, substance abuse and the list continues. The devastation caused by the lack of self control is painfully visible in the rubble of fallen walls that scar the landscape of our families, cities, nation and the wold at large. 

There is a battle for control that rages touching all of our lives.  As passionate followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we should have the tactical advantage in this war! “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)

It is in part, self control that enables us to rise about temptation, to avoid the traps of satan, and to obtain a good testimony. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit that bears witness to the world that we are the children of God. 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control.

Heavenly Father, my prayer is that the fruit of self control would increase in every area my life. Help me Holy Spirit to hear your voice with greater clarity and to live a more disciplined life. Amen