“Like a city whose walls are broken through, is a person who lacks self-control” - Proverbs 25:28

What would you do if you knew today were your last day on earth? Asked in a different way; if you knew you will be meeting Christ face to face before this time tomorrow, what habits would you drop immediately? What would you CHANGE about your life over the next 24 hours? Many of us do have habits that pull us down, rather than lift us up. The best way to live a noble life as a true follower of Christ is to live each day of your life knowing that someone is watching you and judging every of your behavior. While we struggle to actualize our desires, we must exercise self-control in order not to derail from the path and the footsteps of Christ. To be self – controlled has to do with the way we behave or carry on our life in the midst of others. TO be self - controlled is to restrain one’s emotions or behavior; to bridle one’s passions; to enforce boundaries upon oneself. A self-controlled Christian is not controlled by sinful desires or lusts. He may make good money, but he is not in love with money. He may own nice material things, but he doesn’t value things more than God or human life. Why the need for self-control?

Without self-control, it becomes quite easy to fall prey to contrary forces, and to the evil machination of men. Without self- control, it’s easy to go off course and to wonder like a rudderless ship on the ocean – it can be blown off by tides or even sink entirely! Peter tells us; “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” - 1 Peter 4:7. This means in addition to clear mind, we must have self – control as well. Self - control gives us the strength to pray during these last days. Self – control also gives us the focus and clarity of mind to make good decisions. The days have become volatile and precarious. Every child of God must become spirit filled in order to withstand these crises through prayers and determined positive actions. It is by the spirit that we conquer, not by the flesh; you must be strong and spirit filled, ready for the days of battle. There is only one key to self – control which is that; you must vehemently refuse your only three enemies – the world, the flesh and the devil to rule or hold you captive in any way. Christ has already given you victory over these three enemies. Therefore, these enemies have no power over you anymore, EXCEPT you willingly invite them back into your life. Self-control places you on the right track to fulfillment and self-actualization. Self-control earns you respect – for you are not given to greed and avarice. Self-control places you a million miles ahead the rest of humanity – for you have become a beacon of light for others to see. The scripture is telling us today to have self – control in order that we are significantly strengthened to overcome obstacles and failures during adverse situations. Therefore, starting from today, endeavor to live a spirit filled life of boundaries within God’s word.