Controlling you. Do you? Does someone else or something else dictate? Do you allow yourself to express whatever it is you are feeling and yet not control you or your feelings? (Some people call this ‘being transparent. Really?) Actually… never swallow your feelings, they will express themselves – now or eventually. The point isn’t so much control versus the expression as it is our how of expressing, the length of time the emotion is dominant, and if we engage in punishing ourselves or others after the emotion is expressed. Punish others? Oh yes. Because typically our somewhat explosive expression is when we are vulnerable and don’t hide ourselves.
“Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].” (Proverbs 25:28, AMP)
Is self control even possible or needed? Obviously ‘yes’ to both. This verse in Proverbs is only one of many that speak to us about the need for, our responsibility for, and our ability to do what’s necessary in order that OUR self-control rules!
Galatians 5:19-21, AMP speak to the importance of our control over ourselves and includes the lack of our control over ourselves along with sexual immorality, witchcraft, hatred, rage, envy, drunkenness, etc. That may sound harsh but it’s what the Word says… and ends with: “I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” That just demonstrated how important self-control is.
Both the Old and New Testaments talk about self-control and its importance… so if we are asked to do something, we obviously can! There are over 50 verses that speak to this issue and more that tell us what WE receive when we do this. So what is it we receive if we practice self-control; and do remember this is an ongoing process that really never ends. We receive:
“For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].” (Hebrews 12:9-11, AMP)
“For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), and in your knowledge, self-control…” (2 Peter 1:5-9, AMP)
Self-control is NOT isolated. it is based in what we do know, where our faith is. Our knowledge (when acted on) and faith are strong pillars in who we are and how we present ourselves. Self-control also produces, among others qualities, steadfastness, godliness, love. I suspect that this is why the Galatian verses (5: 22-23) include self-control as a fruit of the Spirit!
1 Corinthians 9:24 admonishes us to run our race so as to get the prize. I would suggest that self control is the path to the prize.
“I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3;14, AMP)
