Q: Is self-control really that important to God?

A: Absolutely.

The Bible teaches that strength isn’t simply the ability to overpower someone else. Sometimes the greatest strength a person can possess is the ability to control themselves.

Scripture says:

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” — Proverbs 16:32

Think about that.

God says controlling yourself can require greater strength than conquering a city.

Anyone can explode in anger.

Anyone can give in to lust.

Anyone can get drunk.

Anyone can retaliate when insulted.

Anyone can follow whatever desire enters their mind.

But being capable of doing something and choosing not to do it takes strength.

Q: What happens when we don’t control ourselves?

A: Proverbs gives us a powerful picture:

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” — Proverbs 25:28

In ancient times, a city without walls was exposed. An enemy could walk straight in.

That’s what a life without self-control becomes.

Every temptation gets access.

Anger gets in.

Lust gets in.

Pride gets in.

Addiction gets in.

Revenge gets in.

And eventually those things begin controlling the person who thought they were simply exercising their freedom.

Q: Doesn’t freedom mean doing whatever I want?

A: No.

If you cannot tell yourself no, you aren’t completely free.

You’re being controlled by your appetite.

Real freedom isn’t having permission to do everything you desire.

Real freedom is having the strength to walk away from something even when you desperately desire it.

Paul wrote:

“All things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12

That’s self-control.

Not everything you can do should have power over you.

Q: Is self-control part of being a Christian?

A: Yes. Scripture identifies temperance—self-control—as part of the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” — Galatians 5:22–23

Following Christ means learning that every feeling doesn’t deserve an action.

Every angry thought doesn’t need words.

Every temptation doesn’t deserve surrender.

Every insult doesn’t require revenge.

Every desire doesn’t need to be satisfied.

Sometimes the most powerful word you will ever speak is simply:

No.

No to anger.

No to temptation.

No to addiction.

No to lust.

No to revenge.

No to the crowd.

And sometimes no to yourself.

The world often calls losing control freedom.

God calls controlling yourself strength.

You don’t prove how powerful you are by showing everyone what you can do.

Sometimes you prove it by showing yourself what you can refuse to do.

Control your anger.
Control your tongue.
Control your desires.
Control your actions.

Because if you don’t learn to rule yourself, eventually something else will.

A strong person can conquer another man.

A disciplined person can conquer himself.

— Restored Life After