A lack of self-control is evident in various destructive behaviors such as lust, greed, gluttony, alcoholism, conceit, sexual sins, gossiping, violent quarreling, and false and reckless speech, which satan can tempt us to commit if we allow him. This absence of restraint reveals a short-sightedness that causes long-lasting damage, affecting both our physical and spiritual future. When self-control seems impossible, it becomes necessary to change circumstances to avoid temptation, as seen in guidance for single people and young widows to marry if they cannot manage their sexual urges.

In a world plagued by various addictions, the lack of self-control emerges as a significant underlying issue. Many individuals struggle with dependencies on substances like alcohol, drugs, and even sugar, as well as mental addictions such as screen time and other compulsive behaviors. The absence of self-control often leads to a cycle of craving and reward, ensnaring individuals in destructive habits that ruin lives through mental illnesses, accidents, and other tragic consequences. Scripture addresses this lack of self-control, particularly in relation to wine and strong drink, emphasizing the dangers of being led astray by such substances. Solomon warns that wine mocks and strong drink incites brawling, advising against associating with drunkards and gluttons who inevitably face poverty and ruin. He further cautions those in authority to avoid intoxicating drink lest they forget justice and integrity, a principle that extends to God's called-out ones preparing for roles in His Kingdom. The Bible advocates for moderation governed by self-control, viewing the failure to restrain oneself in consuming alcohol or similar substances as sinful, with severe consequences for those who persist in drunkenness. God holds individuals accountable for their choices, seeing addictions as the result of repeated sinful decisions rather than excusing them as unavoidable conditions. The remedy lies in cultivating self-control, described as a fruit of the Spirit and the culmination of spiritual growth. Overcoming addiction requires the difficult choice to resist intense cravings, endure withdrawal, and flee from temptation, supported by God's grace and the power of His Spirit. He provides strength, love, and a sound mind to those who trust Him and strive to make right choices, enabling them to reflect His nature and live abundantly. Even permissible things can become overpowering if misused, highlighting the necessity of self-control over minds, bodies, speech, and behaviors. God desires His people to master themselves, ensuring they are not brought under the power of any destructive force, thus honoring Him in their lives.

We live in a nation that is out of control, where individual responsibility is dead and self-control is a foreign term to many. Most people refuse to govern themselves, casting off all restraint and giving in to raw lusts and desires, which results in improper behavior, thoughts, and actions. Sin is essentially out of control behavior, and without self-government, no structure can provide justice or peace. This nation stands under the curses that God warned would come from self-indulgence, as seen in the confusion and rebuke it faces today. A lack of self-control is a natural human tendency, evident in the example of Israel after liberation, when they turned to idol worship and wild behavior while Moses met with God on Mount Sinai, making themselves a laughingstock to their enemies. This tendency warns us against losing self-control and calls us to practice self-discipline. In the last days, a lack of self-control will be common, and we are urged to avoid such people who may have a form of godliness but deny its power. In society, the lack of self-control is glorified through out-of-control performers on television and in movies, where self-indulgence and disregard for law are celebrated, bringing short-term rewards with severe consequences that God calls curses. Without the defense mechanism of self-control, people stumble into foolishness and disgrace, as seen in behaviors like alcoholism and gluttony, which lead to absurdity and folly, showing no love for others in need. Numerous ways people stumble due to lack of self-control include lust, greed, drowsiness, conceit, sexual sins, gossiping, violent quarreling, and careless speech. When self-control is missing, individuals revel in unchecked passions, lacking the character to govern themselves. In contrast, self-control is mastery over desires and pleasures, holding appetites in check and regulating conduct without being swayed by sensuous desires, with moderation as a key element. The flesh and the Spirit are contrary, with revelries representing unrestrained behavior and self-control its direct opposite. Self-control is not merely suppressing desires but controlling the lusts of the flesh through being led by the Spirit. Without self-control, peace cannot exist, and it is essential for developing God's loving character. Paul outlines ways to develop self-control: overcoming evil with good by not repaying evil for evil, loving one another by being conscious of how actions affect others, and putting on Christ by living as though His presence is here, avoiding decadent behaviors like overindulgence, sexual misconduct, strife, and envy. These sins result from a lack of self-control, and Paul warns against even hinting at opening to such lusts. Jesus Christ exemplifies self-mastery, resisting temptation and submitting to God's law, never yielding to satan's temptations despite intense trials. His self-control, especially in keeping silent under revilement and suffering, sets the ultimate example for us to follow. Walking as He walked requires careful consideration of thoughts and actions in every situation. A lack of self-control is spiritually unclean and self-indulgent, contrasting sharply with self-control, which is holy and pleasing to God. Paul emphasizes the need for self-discipline, warning that its absence shows short-sightedness with long-lasting damage. Self-control is crucial for holiness, requiring abstinence from all forms of uncleanness, both physical and spiritual, as it is contrary to God's command and the sanctification He desires. Self-control is a manifestation of God's work through the Holy Spirit, strengthening the mind to resist rebellious desires and tempting pleasures. It is required for entrance into the Kingdom of God, demanding daily dedication to walking in God's law and bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. Self-mastery harmonizes human actions with God's law, contributing to the process of salvation and the development of His holy, righ

The lack of self-control is a pervasive struggle rooted in our carnal nature, which is pre-programmed with a fatal attraction to sin ever since our original parents partook of the forbidden fruit. Sin is initially gratifying, pleasurable, habit-forming, and highly addictive, wiring our brains to crave it, making it exceedingly difficult to break these corrosive habits due to our corrupt human nature. This lack of restraint is evident in modern society, where immediate self-gratification is promoted, and self-control is resisted as it is seen as a barrier to what we want or believe we deserve. Consequently, without self-control, we become slaves to habits, thoughts, and irrational emotions, bound as bondslaves to sin and unrighteousness. In the end-time society, this lack of self-control manifests in behaviors driven by carnal human nature, intensified to extreme levels. However, with the aid of God's Holy Spirit received at baptism, we are equipped to combat these carnal pulls, though it requires discipline and effort on our part to cultivate self-control, as it is not an automatic trait but one that demands continuous work and application. Temptation itself is not sin, but it becomes sin when the mind agrees with the fleshly desires, transforming involuntary impulses into actions contrary to God's will. Through the strength and guidance of God's Spirit, we gain the power not only to endure temptation but to mortify the carnal flesh, engaging in a daily battle to overcome as soldiers of Jesus Christ.