Self-control is a sure mark of a strong character, while a lack of self-control is evidence of weakness. The Bible expresses this truth vividly when it says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).
In the days before gunpowder and airplanes the chief strength and defense of a city was its walls. If its walls were broken down the city was an easy prey to any enemy. If its walls were strong the city was safe.
Self-control is to a person what walls were to ancient cities…a source of strength and safety. There are four walls of self-control that every person should build around his character.
1. One wall is that of a controlled temper. An uncontrolled temper is weakness. The Bible warns. “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20). You can control your temper! It takes great self-control but it should be done for your safety and the safety of others.
2. Another wall is that of a controlled thirst; and uncontrolled thirst is the sign of a weak character and is a great danger. Alcoholics Anonymous points to the danger of an uncontrolled thirst by the slogan: “The man takes a drink, the drink takes the man.” Alexander the Great conquered the world but died in a drunken stupor, a pathetic figure of his own appetite and lust. He conquered the world but could not conquer his own spirit. There is no magic formula to overcoming alcoholism.
3. Another wall is that of a controlled tongue. This is the most difficult of all walls to maintain. “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” James 3:2. Self-control keeps the tongue from profanity, gossip and criticism. An uncontrolled tongue is a sure sign of weak character.
4. The last wall is that of controlled thoughts. Nothing is more important than our thoughts. The Bible warns, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” The person who lets his mind stay in the gutters of life becomes an easy prey to a multitude of other evils. You cannot keep evil thoughts from popping into your mind but you can keep them from remaining there. Uncontrolled thinking is a weakness.
You ask, “How can I develop better self-control in all of life?” The answer is to trust and try. Put your trust in the Lord. You can do all things through Christ who will strengthen you. Then try. Put forth a real effort at the point of your weakness. You’ll be amazed at the strength you have.