The last time I visited my young grandson, we went bowling. Before starting, he asked, “Gramma, can we use the bumpers? I can’t win without them.” He knew that by using the bumpers, he’d avoid getting gutter balls. The bumpers were lowered, which allowed him to bowl a better game. He won the first round, and Gramma won the second. We both left as winners!

God’s Word says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT). Author Beth Moore explains, “The key to self-control is the refusal to allow our enemies (the flesh, the world, or Satan) to rule or hold us captive in any way. Self-control is our way of protection. Our lack of self-control makes us vulnerable to attacks from the enemy.”

Many perceive self-control as restricting, but it’s actually freeing. Lack of self-control leads to captivity and death—of dreams, relationships, health, finances, etc. Thus, we ought to think of self-control as “bumpers” that keep us living within healthy lanes and protecting us from losses and out-of-control living. God’s Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline. As we abide in Jesus and exercise the fruit of self-control, the other fruits will steadily grow to fruition.