Introduction
When it comes to self-control, the Bible has a lot to say.
The book of Proverbs, for example, is filled with verses about the importance of self-control. And the consequences of a lack of self-control can be dire.
Below are five consequences of lack of self-control that are mentioned in the Bible.
What Is Self Control and Why Is It Important?
Self-control is the ability to regulate one’s emotions and behavior.
It is important because it allows us to make wise decisions, even when we are under pressure. It enables us to resist temptation and stay on course, even when we feel like giving up.
Lack of self-control can lead to all sorts of problems, both in personal and professional life. Here are 5 consequences of lack of self-control in the Bible:
Examples of Lack of Self-Control in the Bible
If you are struggling with self-control, here are five consequences that you can expect in your life.
- You will be easily tempted and led astray.
- You will have a difficult time resisting temptation.
- You will be a slave to your emotions and impulses.
- You will be easily angered and quick to react.
- You will be prone to addictions and compulsive behaviors.
The Bible has numerous examples of those who have lacked self-control, such as: King Saul, who gave into the temptation of witchcraft and disobeyed God’s commands (1 Samuel 15:23); David, who committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11-12); Noah, who succumbed to the temptation of alcohol and his own poor judgment (Genesis 9:20-21); and Judas Iscariot, who gave in to the temptation of greed and turned against Jesus (John 12:3-6).
The consequences of lack of self-control in the Bible are illustrated in other stories of famous figures, too. Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden after succumbing to the temptation of eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6-12). The Israelites were punished for their lack of faith and impatiently demanding the golden calf (Exodus 32). The Israelites also faced the wrath of God for grumbling and mocking him (Numbers 14:20-29).
Lack of self-control also leaves one vulnerable to being easily influenced by other people. Solomon, who had the wisdom of God, tragically allowed himself to be drawn away by foreign gods and pagan worship (1 Kings 11:4-6).
The consequences of lack of self-control can have lasting and damaging effects. The Bible is a testament to this, showing us numerous examples of the tragic consequences that can result. While it can be difficult to maintain self-control, it is nevertheless essential to living a spiritual life that is pleasing to God. With his help, we can resist temptation and live a life that is obedient to him.
Lack of Self Control Affects Your Marriage
If you can’t control yourself, your spouse will have to.
When you can’t control yourself, your spouse will have to. They will be the one who has to deal with your anger, frustration, and outbursts. They will be the one who has to comfort you and calm you down. They will be the one who has to put up with your lack of self-control.
This is a heavy burden for anyone to bear, and it can quickly lead to resentment and bitterness. It’s unfair for your spouse to have to shoulder this burden alone, so do yourself and them a favor and learn to control yourself.
Lack of Self Control Affects Friendships
When you lack self-control, your relationships suffer. You may find yourself involved in arguments or conflicts more than normal because you’re not able to consider the feelings and thoughts of others. You’re more likely to be impulsive and act without thinking of the consequences for yourself or your friends.
The Bible mentions that too much wine leads to brawls and that words spoken in haste lead to regret (Proverbs 20:1). This is a reminder that when we don’t practice self-control, our relationships suffer the consequences. It’s important to remember to take a step back and think before we act if we want to maintain healthy relationships with people in our lives.
Lack of Self Control Affects Employment
When it comes to managing our lives, a lack of self-control can have serious consequences. In the Bible, it is no different. The Bible warns us that lack of self-control affects our employment opportunities. Proverbs 25:28 states, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken walls.”
In other words, if you don’t practice self-control, you won’t be able to keep yourself on track and may make decisions that could lead to unemployment or job losses. Being able to exhibit self-control and avoid bad decisions will increase your chances of getting hired and keeping your job in the long run.
Lack of Self Control Affects Your Future
Proverbs 25:28 reminds us that it is important to have self-control when it comes to our future: “Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is a man who has no control over his spirit.” If you do not have self-control and cannot manage your impulses, you will not be able to think through decisions properly and will often make choices that could have serious repercussions in the future.
Of course, this does not mean that every decision we make should be based on what could happen in the future, but it does emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and making thoughtful decisions. If you lack self-control and act impulsively, you may find yourself in difficult situations from which it is hard to extricate yourself.
Lack of Self Control Affects Your Relationship With God
If you lack self-control and let your desires and passions rule, your relationship with God will suffer. The Bible tells us time and time again that our lives should be lived in obedience to God’s commands and His will. When we don’t have self-control, it hinders our ability to follow His instructions. It also can lead to sinful behavior, which can damage our relationship with Him.
Additionally, when we give ourselves over to impulsive behavior or desire rather than relying on God’s wisdom and guidance, it takes us away from Him and His truth.
When we lack self-control, we may also find it difficult to spend time in prayer and reading the Bible. This is because without self-control, our attention and thoughts may focus on our desires rather than focusing on God. This can lead to discontentment with our circumstances and discontentment with God’s plans and truths. If we do not take the time to focus on God and His plans, our relationship with Him will eventually suffer.
Self-control is essential to maintain a healthy relationship with God and making progress in our Christian walk. Without it, our lives become filled with sin, which separates us from God. Furthermore, when we lack self-control, it can lead to a lapse in our faith, causing us to doubt God’s promises and goodness.
This uncertainty can be damaging to our relationship with Him and can lead to a lack of spiritual growth and maturity. Lacking self-control can also lead to a lack of trust in God and a lack of faith in His promises. In some cases, it can even lead to a lack of belief in His existence.
Practical Steps to Overcome Our Lack of Self-Control
One of the practical steps to overcome our lack of self-control is to find out what our triggers are and develop a plan to respond differently. When we become aware of our triggers, we can then practice how to respond in a healthier way. We can also ask for help from family, friends, or mentors who can provide guidance on how to manage times when self-control is challenging.
Furthermore, it’s important to develop a support system that will help us resist temptation and celebrate when we have exercised self-control.
It’s also important to recognize that there’s nothing wrong with feeling overwhelmed or wanting to give up. We can recognize that these responses are natural and part of our humanity. The Bible encourages us to “take every thought captive” and remind ourselves that we can overcome our lack of self-control and practice healthy habits.
Additionally, it is vital to set practical goals that are achievable and to develop a plan that will help us to achieve them.
The Bible also recognizes the importance of forgiveness. When we lack self-control, we may be inclined to become extremely hard on ourselves and resort to self-criticism. However, it is important to be gentle with ourselves, forgive ourselves for our past mistakes, and start working towards bettering ourselves.
We can also ask for forgiveness from God, as He is eager and willing to forgive us and will help us to develop the self-control that we need. Ultimately, by developing self-control and relying on God’s grace, we can make positive and lasting changes in our lives.
Conclusion
The takeaway is that lack of self-control has dire consequences in this life and the next. When we allow our emotions, appetites, and passions to dictate our behavior, we set ourselves up for a life of misery and regret. It’s important to exercise self-control in order to live a productive, meaningful life.
Thankfully, we don’t have to do this alone. We have the help of God and His Spirit, who dwells in us when we are willing to listen and obey. The Bible is full of practical advice on how to exercise self-control, including the following: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
When we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can be better equipped to control our impulses. This leads to healthier relationships with ourselves and others because our decisions are founded on love and wisdom from God rather than on instant gratification. Through a relationship with the Lord, we can learn to find peace in a chaotic world and to put an end to unhealthy cycles of behavior that only lead to suffering and despair.
The Bible also advises us to turn away from our sins and to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). This means that we should strive to walk in God’s ways and to follow His commands.
This will help us live a life of integrity and self-control, with no craving or impulse overriding our will and judgment. When we deny our sinful desires and replace them with God-given virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control, we will reap the rewards in our lives now and in the life to come.
