A City Without Walls
Have you ever imagined yourself living in a house without doors, and anyone can come in and out as they please? Many of us would think such a notion is ludicrous, and even dangerous. Just as doors are important to our modern homes, so were walls to many ancient cities. In ancient times, many large cities would be fortified by walls which served as a means of defense against foreign invasion. It was also used as a means to control immigration and trade. Walls were very important to a city, and would be subject to many threats without them. Interestingly enough, God compared a city that is broken down and without walls, to the person who has no control over his own spirit (Proverbs 25:28).
I have worked with many different types of people at different places of employment. I have seen some who have dealt with situations wisely, and many who have not. Those who have not dealt wisely with a situation, were those who allowed their emotions to get the best of them. They reacted without thinking and spoke words they later regretted. Many years ago, I worked for one individual who was always angry, and abusive to his workers. It was also unfortunate that he claimed to be a Christian. The decisions he made in his anger, turned many people away from Christianity, and he was a bad example of what a follower of Christ should be. By him not controlling his own spirit, he was that city broken down and without walls. What example are you?
Are you the example in being wise with situations, even when they seem to stretch you beyond your endurance? By contrast, are you the one who always gives in to your emotions whenever provoked? Some people might say that they have no control over their emotions for one reason or another. The Bible actually commands Christians to rule their own spirit, to walk by the spirit, and not to fulfill the desires of the flesh (Proverbs 16:32; Galatians 5:16-24). Christians are neither to sin in their anger, nor to give place to the devil in their wrath (Ephesians 4:26-27).
As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily walk with the Lord. We have His power, grace, and strength to help us fight the temptations when emotions rise up within us. We might not have control over the circumstances that go on around us, but we are always in control of how we react to them. We can choose to react to a circumstance, that will damage our testimony, or glorify God. Controlling our emotions does not happen overnight, and it takes a consistent applying of God’s principles to our lives on a daily basis.
Each time we choose to honor God, we grow in grace, and endurance. Over time, we will conform to become more like Christ in our manner of living, and interactions with people. The ultimate goal is to be pleasing to the Lord in all we say, think, and do.
