Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Self-control is the fence and the boundary line that keeps us aligned to our purpose. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7a). Self-control is self-discipline that resists temptation and sets limits to spiritual and physical boundaries. Self-control is to take responsibility for our thoughts. If we don’t control our thoughts, we will have no control of our actions. ‘Where the mind wanders the man meanders’. A good deed will become an ugly endeavor if the intentions are wrong.
Jesus is the ultimate role-model of “self-control”. He withdrew Himself from popularity and power. Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself (John 6:15). Jesus taught us that to influence we don’t need positions or titles. His 3 ½ years of ministry without any titles or thrones is still influencing humanity. His authority, power and might were under control when He hung on the cross. Jesus rebuked Peter to put his sword back into the scabbard when Peter attacked the servant of the High Priest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Don’t you think that I could call on my Father, and he would send me more than twelve legions of angels now? (Matthew 26:53). Jesus exercised ultimate self-control on the cross. The chief priests and scribes mocked him saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:39). Those who lack self-control try to control others with their views and opinions. Jesus taught us that self-control is the barometer and speedometer that will keep us steady on the journey to achieve our purpose.
Lack of self-control will destroy all other facets of the fruit of the spirit. When you find honey, never eat more than you need. If you eat too much, you will become very sick (Proverbs 25:16).
Self-control is the binding agent that holds love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness and faithfulness together.
The furnace fastens self-control:
1. Mind: Think about what you are thinking about. Entertaining futile thoughts leads to depression. In a tight corner and in the heat of the furnace, choose to praise, pray and proclaim His promises. Never allow your mind to yield to negativity. Pessimistic thoughts are fiery arrows from the demonic realm to kill our passion.
2. Mouth: Even if the furnace is seven times hotter and the trial is unbearable, never question God’s love or His goodness. Speak life never speak death even when the fumes of frustration are ablaze.
3. Mastery: Self-control over our thoughts and words will make us better and not bitter. When pushed over the edge, choose to praise and not to curse. Mastery of mind and mouth is self-control.
Self-control is surrendering our desires and aligning to God’s will.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
Prayer: Precious Jesus, I need your strength and wisdom to exercise self-control over my mind and mouth in the flames of the furnace, when the heat of the fiery trial is unbearable. Amen.
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