“Like a city whose walls are broken through, is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
In Biblical times, the walls that surrounded a city were one of its greatest defenses. To have broken walls was to have no way to keep out dangerous elements that could enter at will.
So it is with self-control. It keeps us safe, both mentally, physically, and spiritually. When we allow ourselves to lose control and give in to temptation, we put ourselves in danger. Without discipline, we may find ourselves glutting on junk food when we should be taking only what we need to sate our hunger, overindulging in mindless pastimes instead of leading the inspiring lives we were meant for, or flirting when we should be faithful.
Self-control is our protection against the sins of the world that want to breach our walls.
Some people believe that discipline and control are things that you are either born with or not. And it is easy to fall back on that excuse when you are halfway through a tub of ice cream or have just finished yelling at your kids in a fit of anger. But we all have the capacity if we put in the work. Self-control is like a muscle, and the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Thinking back to those ancient city walls, they were probably difficult and back-breaking to create. There was no machinery to assist the slaves that built them, stone by stone. It may be painful for us to build up our self-control, too. It may force us to say no to things we think we want and push us out of our comfort zones.
But just like those walls, once our self-control is strong, we can rest easy knowing that we are not being led down the wrong path by temptation. We are safe and in control, living intentionally and in accordance with the will of our Heavenly Father.
So stretch those muscles today. Raise those walls. And pray for strength when confronting the temptations that wish to control you.
Have a great Monday!
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