A City Without Walls
By Elin Henderson
“He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.”
Proverbs 25:28
The year is about 900 B.C. The country of Israel is experiencing relative peace under the rule of King Solomon, but the memories of recent wars still haunt their lives. Having lived through battles with his father, Solomon knew very well how important strong walls were and no doubt built many. The cities of Israel and the surrounding nations boasted walls of such huge proportions that even today we are shocked by their size. Imagine six chariots riding side by side on top of a wall. That’s like an interstate on top of a high rise! The walls were probably the most significant part of the city, bringing safety, security, a defense and a place for offense. When a wall was breeched or fell down, the city itself was all but lost. By Elin Henderson
“He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.”
Proverbs 25:28
This analogy gives us a better understanding of why Solomon would liken the rule of one’s spirit, or heart—mind, will and emotions—to the walls of a city. When we have no rule over our spirit, we are like a city with no defense, and, thus, no offense. The enemy can easily overtake and dominate us. Instead of experiencing peace and safety, we tremble with fear and helplessness. I love how Major Ian Thomas puts it: “God gave us a mind to know Him, a will to choose Him and emotions to love Him.” It is through our spirit that we can fellowship with the Spirit of God…a pretty amazing thing! Yet, in the same way, our heart can take us places we ought not to be. When left unguarded, the floodgates open, tearing down the walls and allowing the enemy and our own sinful desires to move in with their destructive powers.
So, how do we rule over our own spirits? It is a matter of a choice of dependency. Are we allowing the Spirit of the Lord to have dominion over our minds, wills and emotions or are we attempting to rule our own spirit and relying on self? Our will, if left unchecked, can become a selfish tool, seeking only our own desires. Our emotions, if left unruly, can result in mental and emotional anguish. Our mind, if left unconstrained, can allow negative and harmful thought patterns.
In the end, if our walls collapse, so does our city. Let’s keep a close eye on the condition of the walls that protect our heart and spirit!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What can you do to make sure the Holy Spirit has dominion over your mind, will and emotions?
FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:10-18
Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.
