Self control (I)

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Proverbs 25.28

One critical tool to operating in freedom is self control. If we do not have self control, we will be slaves to what controls us whether it be pride, food, lust, money etc.  Self control is the ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

“Self-control is the ability to regulate and alter your responses to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals. Research has shown that possessing self-control can be important for health and well-being. Psychologists typically define self-control as:

The ability to control behaviors to avoid temptations and achieve goals;

The ability to delay gratification and resist unwanted behaviors or urges.

People use various terms for self-control, including discipline, determination, grit, willpower, and fortitude. Some researchers believe that self-control is partly determined by genetics, but it is also a skill you can strengthen with practice.” Kendra Cherry

The Bible is clear on the issue of self control.

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25.28)

“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction”. (Proverbs 13.3)

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. (Mathew 12.36)

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness”? (Romans 6.16).

“Self-control is one mark of a mature person; it applies to control of language, physical treatment of others, and the appetites of the body.”  Joseph B. Wirthlin

If we do not have self control, we will be slaves to what controls us whether it be pride, food, lust, money etc. We are not free until we have self control.

“He who reigns within himself, and rules passions, desires, and fears, is more than a king.” John Milton

If our lives will count we must develop the habit of self control.

“Self-control is a key factor in achieving success. We can’t control everything in life, but we can definitely control ourselves.” Jan McKingley Hilado

We must pay the price of determination and discipline. We must cultivate and engage in certain habits to be able to be self controlled.

“It is essential that we not respond impulsively to impressions; take a moment before reacting, and you will find it easier to maintain control.” Epictetus

To be continued

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