A man without self-control
is like a city broken into and left without walls- Proverbs 25:28
Introduction
Many of us get in trouble because of what we speak, feel, hear and see. Whatever comes to our mind, we speak it without thinking about the consequences. In so doing, we end up other others by the very works we speak. Sometimes we believe everything we hear and we spread what we hear to others causing not only ourselves to get in trouble but also causing other people to get in trouble especially if the information is untrue. Another issue we have is our sight. While it is good to have great eyesight, it we do not control ourselves, our sight can cause us to get into a lot of trouble. For example, a married man maybe come aroused by the sight of a beautiful woman. He likes what he sees and then pursues the woman later resulting in an affair ultimately ending his marriage. Nowadays there is so much trouble in the world because of feelings. Some people argue that they have been suppressing their feelings too long and they must express and do how they feel. The truth is not because you feel something means it is right.
We cannot and should not act upon what we feel, hear and see despite how good it sounds, feels and looks. Therefore we must maintain self-control and discipline. Obviously self-control is a very important element of the Christian life as it one of the elements of the fruit of the sprit. Galatians 5:22-23 states “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Furthermore in Proverbs 25:28, the scripture states that “a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” I believe these two aforementioned scriptures are self-explanatory and it shows the importance of having self-control.
How to practice self-control?
A soft answer
I know it difficult to control your mouth when someone talks badly about you and your children especially when the information is inaccurate. I know you want to tell people “a piece of your mind” and seek revenge but the Bible says in Proverbs 15, a soft answer turn away a wrath. Yes people may call you soft and passive but that is ok. There is a time and place for everything. Sometimes the damage is already done and by getting angry and saying harsh words may just make matters even worst. Eventually whatever they say about you will go away and the truth will also emerge. It is just a matter of time.
In addition to having a soft answer, just ignore people sometimes. It hurts people when you ignore them but sometimes that is the best thing to do.
Remind yourself daily of your status
Sometime you have to remind yourself daily of who you are. If you are a Christian then live and act like one. Stop pursing women and men and you know you are married. Eventually you will hurt someone. Do you really want to hurt yourself? Remind yourself that you are a married man or woman and you have a spouse to go home to. Some of you have children and remind yourself that what you do may impact your children. Therefore, no matter how that other person looks or make you feel, remember it is temporary and what goes around comes around. In other words that same person you end up on cheated with may also cheat on you later in life.
Some of you be experiencing some health issues and you are still have a diet that consists of unhealthy food. Remind yourself of your health condition. If you want to live a healthy life, control what you eat and eat the right things.
Stay focused
Do not easily become persuaded by others. Have integrity and believe in the word of God. Always assume someone is watching you. Remember to every action, there is a reaction. For example, I have seen people with multiple children with multiple people. All of this is because of lack of focus and no self-control.
Control your thoughts
I know some thoughts come into your head and you just want to act on them. Control what you think by getting help and thinking about those things that are good and pure. Your thoughts may not disappear immediately but they can, depending on how you control what you think.
Conclusion
Be conscious on how you respond to what you hear, see and feel. No one is perfect but if you can control yourself, you can prevent a lot of trouble. Don’t worry about the mistakes you made in the past, focused on a better tomorrow and this can be done by having self-control.