Get A Hold Of Self

D. L. Moody, the great evangelist was asked, "Of all the people you come in contact with, who gives you the most trouble?" He said, "D. L. Moody. I have the most trouble with myself."

When we lack self control, meaning when we are out of control - we will have trouble with self. In fact, many of the troubles we face are the result of the lack of it. A reckless driver can endanger and affect the lives of many. All because of one out of control person on the road.

The Greek root for the word means "to get a hold of " or "to get a grip on". It literally means to get your hands on something until you are in control of it. So, we get into trouble when we do not get a hold of self, and more trouble when trying to get a hold of others. We try to control others because of fear and insecurity. We are afraid they may fail us or hurt us.

Proverbs 25:28 states, "A man without self-control is like a city (as defenseless as a city) broken into and left without walls." 

Cities are safer and stronger because of their walls. Without the walls they become weaker. The walls refer to self control. And the moment we lose self-control, we are a city without any kind of protection. 

The failure to control self will weaken us and can hurt ourselves and others. In fact, we are happier when we practice self-control instead of trying to control others. If you master self-control in Christ, you can master absolutely anything with Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before You to magnify and glorify Your precious name. Let Your will to be done in me. Make me strong so that I don’t succumb to every whim and be carried away with worldly activities, but let me be disciplined and have self control. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, Amen!