The walls of self control – God provides

Photo by Alexandre Debiève on Unsplash

Proverbs 25:28 tells us that a person without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. We have looked at the consequences of a lack of self-control and the need for us to be more proactive in presenting ourselves to God when it comes to being more self-controlled.

But what about those temptations that lead to instant gratification with negative outcomes?  It’s important for believers to know that God has also provided us with the best building supplies we need to live a life of self-control.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we are told that the temptations in our lives are no different from what others experience, that God is faithful and won’t allow temptations to be more than we can stand and that he will also show you a way out so you can endure.

Let’s unpack God’s provision from the above scripture:

1. Community support. The temptations you are facing are common to the body of Christ, so there is no need to isolate yourself from others if you are struggling. Iron sharpens Iron.
2. God’s faithfulness. He can be trusted and the idea that any temptation is too big for you to deal with is a lie, because he has made sure that no temptation is to much for you to handle.
3. Exits. God will provide a way out so that you can stand firm in your faith. When faced with any temptation that could cause you to not practice self-control, ask him to for help and he will show you a way out.

Self-control has often been seen as something that gets in the way of enjoying life, but can we keep saying, “it’s too hard” or I don’t know how to do it”.The truth is, we have been given everything we need to participate, and God’s provisions to help us, to no longer live like cities broken into and left without walls.

Father God, thank you for your word that is alive and active, and that you care about the fruit of self-control in our lives. I pray that we would desire to no longer be like a defenceless city without walls and that we would remember your provision when we are faced with temptation and act on it. Amen