Of all the challenges we face in life, perhaps the most difficult and important one is that of self-mastery. With sin being so prevalent in our society, people must continually keep their guard up in order to maintain their Christian character. In ancient times, walls were used to protect a city from being invaded and destroyed by their enemies. This is the same principle Solomon writes of in Proverbs 25:28, which tells us, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” A person who is defenseless has no protection when the enemy of sin comes to take them over.

In order for one to gain self-control over their spirit, and thus build up a spiritual wall against Satan, they must begin with a proper study of God’s Word. We must also look to the example that Jesus Christ set for us in his life on this earth. Jesus was the ultimate self-master of his own spirit, and we are commanded to follow his lead (1 Corinthians 11:1). By studying God’s Word and trying to imitate Christ, we will be able to build up a solid fortress in which we can fight off sin at its every attack. A wall of a city is not built overnight, neither is self-control gained so quickly, we must try an add to it everyday. If we don’t place a spiritual wall before the sin in this world, it will invade our hearts and minds, and we will soon be it’s servant.