Self control is the nucleus in the atom of every habit we form. Either we’ve exerted it and created a constructed, healthy, positive habit OR we’ve ignored it and allowed unhealthy, destructive, negative habits to form. All habits – good or bad – small or large – silly or important – are linked back to our level of self control.
Solomon teaches us that self control is our defense mechanism. Without it, we are vulnerable – like a city plundered and destroyed after a siege. Our walls are broken and we are susceptible to future attacks. In other words, without self control we are defenseless.
Self – control is one of the foundational characters of a wise and righteousness person. Instead of giving it to our every whim or desire, a godly person tells himself or herself – no, wait, stop, etc. A righteousness person waits and thinks about what God expects before acting. A wise person says no to themselves when what they want is counter to God’s commands or hurtful to others. A godly individually stops once’s they’ve identified an action or habit they shouldn’t be involved in or with. A wise person restrains himself. This self control infiltrates our actions with the voice of God’s word, checks our emotional or irrational reactions, and restrains our current habits/desires.
This is why when Paul was teaching Felix self control was one of the three main ideas he used to explained “The Way” to Felix. Those who follow Christ and seek to serve the Lord will live righteously – they will try every day to be like God. Because this is their decision, they must exert self control over themselves. Otherwise, they will answer for their decisions and lack of control in the judgment to come.
But there is no use beating around the bush – self – control is hard. We want to do what we want to do. And, it is hard to tell ourselves no and to live a measured controlled life but if we don’t the outcome of is disastrous. Without it, we get ourselves into more trouble and harder circumstances to remove ourselves from. Without it, we create habits that are hard to break. Without it, we are defenseless against all the temptations Satan will most surely present us.
Self control is our wall of protection against the Devil. Without it, he will destroy us.
Adonai's Appeal 