He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.–Proverbs 25:28
Cities in the ancient world defended themselves with walls. Think of the time and energy invested in building a massive wall around a city, one stone at a time! But think of the consequences if the wall wasn’t built, or if it wasn’t properly maintained. A city with a weak or fallen wall issues an engraved invitation to its enemies to march right in.
Proverbs 25:28 likens self-control to the wall around a city. Self-control is a defense against enemies like temptation and impulse. If the wall of self-control has never been established or has not been maintained, our life is a prize waiting to be claimed by our spiritual enemies. But self-control for the Christian is not a matter of grit and determination. Yes, it takes resolve and commitment, but that is another way of saying “submission to the Holy Spirit.” For the Christian, self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is His life within that gives the power to say “No” and “Yes” when self-control is called for.
To the degree that you are “out of control,” consider whether that is the degree to which the Spirit is not filling your heart and mind with His presence.
The fruit of the Spirit is not excitement or orthodoxy; it is character.
G. B. Duncan —-From Turning Point
