Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self- control.
—Proverbs 25:28
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit we often teach our children because we don’t want them to be spoiled. However, as adults, we often rationalize our own lack of this fruit. “I’m an adult,” we say. “I should be able to do, say and have what I want without worrying about displeasing God.”
This line of thinking is wrong and dangerous. God expects adults to please Him just like children—perhaps more so, since adults are more mature and understand His commands better than children would. Additionally, going through life without any self-control often leads to destruction, which breaks God’s heart and damages your relationship with Him.
Will God’s heart be broken if you have a glass of wine or an extra dessert or if you treat yourself to a shopping spree? No. The key to self-control is knowing what comes first in the Word—self. Self-control is about considering factors other than your wants and needs. It’s about knowing your own limits and staying healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually. One glass of wine might be okay, but you need to be able to stop there rather than drinking an entire bottle. Desserts are delicious but can lead to obesity if they become a staple in your diet. Shopping for pleasure is fun, but confusing must-have items with what you actually need often leads to debt.
How can you practice self-control without letting denial cross into legalism? First, know your weak areas and deal with those. If you’re a shopper, set and stick to a budget with help from a spouse or other accountability partner when necessary. If you tend to stay up late watching TV, gradually limit screen time until you don’t need it. Accountability will keep you on track. Memorize verses like today’s, and ask God to increase your desire for self-control.
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