I’ve traveled to Eastern Europe on numerous occasions and have had opportunity to visit a few castles. They stand as ancient witnesses to countless untold tales. No doubt some of those tales would tell of invading troops seeking to scale the walls, capture the castle’s inhabitants, and secure goods and power.
No doubt, castle residents would have made keeping the walls in good repair a priority. Allowing them to break or decay would guarantee their enemies’ success.
If the inhabitants wanted to ensure their personal safety, they’d work hard to keep those walls mended and strong.
Those castles and their walls bear a striking analogy to our lives today. Consider Proverbs 25:28 which says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”
Imagine lacking self-control in eating habits. Gorging ourselves on desserts and junk food allows serious health issues to invade our bodies and create havoc.
Lacking self-control in our spending habits results in buying things we don’t need or worse, ending up with a load of consumer debt.
Lacking self-control with our tongues also invites trouble. Gossip and undue criticism can lead to misunderstandings and ultimately broken relationships.
The lack of self-control can destroy us. So what can we do to protect ourselves? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill and control us at all times—every word, every thought, every action, and every attitude. As He controls every part of our being, we will remain strong. The enemy of our souls might try to attack and capture us, but he will not succeed.
Question: In what other areas of our lives must we exercise self-control so the enemy can’t invade and destroy us?
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