Self Control
Proverbs 25:28
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
This characteristic stated here is so important, it means it is of value to God and so there is need to pay attention to it. The Greek rendering for self-control is “egkrateia” which means “temperance”. In the Hebrew it suggest someone who has rule over his being. Hence, it reflects the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.”
In the New Testament, Paul stated that one of the Spirit filled trait of a believer is self-control. In other words, the nature and character of the Holy Spirit is that of self control and because the believer has the Holy Spirit, he posseses the nature of God because God is Spirit.
When we exhibit self control or we have mastery over our desires and passions what we do is that we reflect the nature of our Father as well. This is no more evident than in the gospel! Jesus was hungry after his 40days fasting, but yet he had control over his appetite when the Devil wants to use it as temptation. Peter also stated that God is patient toward sinners, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
The body and mind possess appetites and needs that can easily lead to sinful excesses if not controlled. They can lead any of us away in a hundred different directions from the supreme devotion to Him that He desires for our good. However, when we come to acknowledge that by the Spirit of God we can gain mastery over our senses, and also recognise that it is in our nature to be governed by the Spirit always, then this virtue is not far from us.
CONFESSION
I exercise self control
Amen!
