Having self-control is crucial and critical to our walk with God. I would argue strongly that many of us do not practice self-control, acting impulsively, instead. We  often tend to say and do things without thinking about the damage that may be done to others, or to ourselves. Some of us argue about every little thing. Still others tend to become angry over the smallest little thing, allowing that thing to cause us to lash out in anger towards others. The flesh is weak and if we are not careful, we can lose our sense of self-control, and will consequently be ruled by the devil. The devil takes full advantage of us when we have no control over our actions or words. In 1 Peter 1:13, we find these words:

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”

Here we see the call for holy living. The writer goes on to say in verses 14 and 15, “You must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” When you get a chance, read this entire chapter. We should honor God by the way we live — by living with each other with the love of God, always displaying that we have self-control.