Self Control and the City Gates

How would you define or describe self control? The Bible offers a few different images; here is one in the negative, what it looks like not to have self control:

Like a city whose walls are broken through
    is a person who lacks self-control. - Prov. 25:28

You know how contractors and builders may look at a house and worry about its structural soundness or integrity? That is what self control is about - our own structural soundness. And without it, the home is vulnerable, crumbling, wide open to all - unable to protect itself from threat or to intentionally choose to welcome guests in. Without healthy boundaries built up, you can’t decide what comes into your mind-body and what goes out from you.

Now let’s re-write this punchy little proverb and put it in the positive:

Like a strong city, with riches flowing in and out of smoothly moving gates,

is a person who develops self-control.

Self control isn’t repression or denial; it’s embracing the freedom to choose and to thrive.

Perhaps you’d ponder these things as you sit with this breath prayer:

Inhale: I choose

Exhale: Goodness

Inhale: I choose

Exhale: Love