Self-control is one of the characteristics described in the Bible as a Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Lower School STEM teacher Cliff Powers presented a chapel service on self-control when students departed for spring break. Fruit of the Spirit is the Lower School chapel theme for the year.
In an interactive presentation, Powers used the concept of castle walls to illustrate the need for self-control. Two groups of students were called to the stage to construct a wall using either plastic cups or cardboard boxes. Afterwards, another student was chosen to throw ping-pong balls to determine which wall was the stronger of the two. He referenced Proverbs 25:28, which says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”
Powers asked students, “Who would want to knock our city walls down?” Students responded, “The devil” and “Satan.” Powers guided students through a study that made them aware that their city was constantly under attack. Not practicing self-control makes people vulnerable to situations that would knock them down. Their relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides protection. Their self-control guards against temptations.
Powers also described how self-control needs to be practiced by children and by adults. Children have parents, grandparents, and teachers giving guidance and telling them what to do. Adults do not have someone telling them what to do, and it becomes more challenging, Powers says.
“Who is the ruler of your city? You or God?” Powers asked. Students answered: “God.”
“Well, we say that,” Powers said, “but if we are honest with ourselves, we really want to rule our own city.” But no one can “serve two masters.” Matthew 6:24. As people grow from childhood to adulthood, they can practice self-control and allow God to have authority over their city.
If children and adults keep those walls strong through self-control, it helps us successfully manage areas such as:
- Anger
- Attitude
- Greed…me me me
- Disrespect
- Emotions
- Behavior
- Eating
- Spending
- Desires—things that look good to the eye
- Words
- Honesty
“What a wonderful world this would be if everyone practiced self-control!” Powers said.
