I was listening to my audible Bible while performing my regular morning routine when a passage of scripture really stood out. I stopped to take a selah moment. Then I decided to share it on my Facebook and Instagram page with the caption that said, "any area of lack self-control or lack of discipline is an open door for the enemy. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to rule your own spirit today in Jesus' name."
"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls." -Proverbs 25:28
When the Bible speaks of not having rule over your spirit, it speaks of not having self-control. The contemporary English version says, "losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall." Reading the Bible in other translations helps to gain a better understanding.
When we can't rule our spirit, a.k.a. have self-control, we are open and vulnerable without protection from the enemy. This can apply to every area of our life. Today, I want to talk to you about five areas that leave us vulnerable to having an open door to the enemy when we lack self-control.
DIET & EXERCISE: Many ladies struggle with controlling their eating habits, mainly eating unhealthy foods and overeating, especially around that time of the month or while under stress. Similarly, some people may need help motivating themselves to exercise regularly, despite knowing it is essential for their health. In this particular area, I can absolutely relate. I've always been a chubby girl. And honestly speaking, it's not because I don't eat healthily. My children, my husband, and those close to me can testify that I have pretty disciplined eating habits. But over the years, I've slacked off of exercise and movement. One of the things I tell myself almost every day is that I will start back dancing again. But I know it's about deciding and taking action, not just talking about it. This opens the door to the enemy because if you don't care for your body, which is your temple, sickness and disease can eventually set in. Which can prohibit you from living up to God's whole purpose and destiny for your life. It can cause premature death as well. And we all know the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. And what an easier way for the enemy to bust into your destiny than the same old trick that he used on eve back in the garden…… EATING!
IMPULSIVE BUYING OR OVERSPENDING: Ladies, let's be honest. I know most of us like nice things. And, of course, it always feels good to treat yourself to something new, get a standard Mani & Pedi, or get your hair done. Or buy some make-up, or whatever beauty products you like. But impulsive spending is an uncontrollable habit, whether buying things you don't need, or overspending beyond your means. It is a lack of self-control. We know that money cannot buy us happiness. But money is a tool that God gives us. We need it to live in this world because we need to survive. Even the Scriptures declare that money answers all things. And without it, it's difficult to survive in this natural world. I'm not saying that everyone is called to be rich, but not having enough money can open the door to the enemy when you don't have control over your ability to handle it. You can end up living a life of poverty that God did not intend for you. It can also cause all sorts of problems to happen in your life for not only just you, but your family too.
SLEEP HABITS: Sleep is vital for overall health and well-being, but many people need help controlling their sleep habits. Whether staying up too late, sleeping too long, or needing more restful sleep. I know you're grown up, and no one should have to tell you when you need to go to bed. But the reality is if you don't put yourself on some type of sleep schedule or discipline yourself, this is truly an open door for the enemy. Whether or not you realize it, when you sleep, your body begins to restore and heal and get much-needed rest. For those of us who are dreamers, it's also imperative for us. When you get restful sleep, it's easier for your mind to remember and recall the dreams God gives you at night when sleep. This is an open door to the enemy because he can creep in with sickness when you don't get enough sleep. This can affect every area of your life. Causing you to become moody and cranky at your job or treat your family or loved ones unkindly because you're tired and irritable.
PROCRASTINATION: Procrastination is a common struggle for many people, particularly when it comes to a task that is boring, difficult, or unpleasant. People put off an important task until the last minute causing stress and anxiety. If you can relate to this one, I want you to say amen out loud and ask the Lord to help you. The reality is that even as adults, we will have to do things we don't want to do. It's always easy to do the things that you want to do. But it takes work to do the things that you don't desire to do. If you are struggling with stress and anxiety, ask yourself if you could prevent those feelings by putting some deadlines and some things in place so that you don't have to wait until the last minute to complete a task you know you must do. This is an open door for the enemy to attack your reputation and character. You never want people to look at you as someone they cannot rely on. Or better yet, you don't wanna even look at yourself like you can't rely on your own self.
PERSONAL HYGIENE: I know you might not have been expecting this one. But personal hygiene and self-care are essential for physical and mental health. Some people may need help maintaining good habits in these areas, whether showering regularly, brushing their teeth, or practicing self-care routines. Have you ever heard the expression? If you look better, you'll feel better? I know from experience as a hairstylist. Many times before I do a lady's hair, they can tell me how bad they feel about things going on in their life, and by the time their hair is finished, they have such a lifted countenance. It is like the weight they carried before their hair got done has been lifted. I always say no matter what's happening with you personally or emotionally. Make sure that you take care of your physical body and your appearance. I might be a little biased in this because I'm in the beauty industry but nevertheless, there's a reason for sure why Health and Beauty are related. Because the two definitely go hand in hand. This is an opening for the enemy because he knows if you don't look good, you won't feel good. And if you don't feel good, it'll eventually affect your spiritual, mental, and emotional health and eventually trickle down to your body.
We must have both self-control and self-discipline. Self-discipline and self-control are related, but they are two different meetings. While related, they are two other things.
Self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and your actions to pursue goals or values. While self-control, on the other hand, refers to the ability to manage emotions, impulses, and desires to achieve a desired outcome.
There is so much more that I can say about self-control. And I may. But for today, this concludes those topics. Let me say it's easy to get overwhelmed with trying to manage your own spirit, a.k.a. have self-control. You know the expression Rome wasn't built in a day. It's a process, and things may not happen overnight. Give yourself some grace and begin to work on some of these things. One thing at a time. But self-control is a fruit of the spirit. And to be honest, self-control in areas of weakness can't come without you leaning into God and Praying, especially for yourself.
Many people often find it easy to pray for others but more challenging to pray for themselves. Especially women who are learning themselves outside of the role of mom, wife, single, caretaker, entrepreneur, head of ministries, or the circle leader. You need to make sure you are spending time with yourself and God in prayer in the secret place. That is where you will gain strength and grow in self-control to rule over your spirit.
I hope that you enjoyed this read: Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
💞 Prophet Andrea
To Subscribe to my blog, click HERE.