We all make mistakes often, but those who don’t make mistakes with their words have reached full maturity. Like a bridled horse, they can control themselves entirely. – James 3:2 (CEB)
REFERENCE
James 3:1-10
Self-control is the virtue that restrains you from doing things you want to do but which are not in your best interest or that of others, e.g., eating an extra plate of unhealthy food despite the doctor’s caution. It is the power to self-regulate and adjust your responses to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals. It is the ability to master your desires, appetites, and emotions and keep yourself from doing something you may regret.
Self-control sets your life on a regimen, e.g., seeking God first thing in the morning rather than running to your mobile phone, exercising consistently, regular medical check-ups, and attending events, work, or meetings on time. To avoid being victims of our flesh (unchecked desires, impulses, and feelings), we must show restraint in our words, deeds, and thoughts.
“Hold your horses!” is an idiom that suggests that you should stop and carefully consider your decision or opinion about others. It is a perfect picture of self-control since it speaks of how wild and unruly horses can be without taming. James says, “We put bits in horses’ mouths to control them and have them obey us.” A person without self-control is like an untamed horse, with a lot of kicking (tantrums), neighing (noisy fights), stubbornness, and self-will.
How to know someone lacks self-control is to check how they talk. Our tongues can hurt, kill, invite trouble, and ruin marriages/relationships or our lives. “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a self-controlled man, able also to bring his whole body under control.” Don’t just say it the way you feel it! Could you think before you say it? Ask, “How will this make the other person feel?” Stop using unkind words on your spouse, talking down to your staff, or being rude to your team members. Being right does not give you the right to be rude. Let your words be coated with God’s love.
Self-control will also keep you from rash decision-making, saving you a lot of heartaches and exempting you from being a slave to sin and satan’s manipulations. Remember these words from King Solomon, “Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall.” ~ Proverbs 25:28 (CEB). Hence, without self-control, you are open to all forms of attacks.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY:
I Corinthians 6:12-20, I Corinthians 9:25, and Psalm 141:3
CONFESSION:
“I put my whole body in subjection to the Holy Spirit’s leading; I exercise self-control in my thoughts, speech and deeds. I will not fall prey to satan’s manipulations because I am Jesus’ sheep and His voice alone will I hear and follow always.”
