Self-control isn’t a self-help idea; it’s a character that only grows with the help of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently, and yet we often still fall short despite the conviction of the Holy Spirit or regularly attending Sunday services. Samson is a powerful example of this struggle. Born to a barren woman through a divine promise, Samson was chosen before birth and set apart as a Nazarite. He had every reason to walk in obedience and self-control, but even when God’s calling, his life reveals how ignoring self-control can lead to regret, missed potential, and painful discipline (Judges 13:2-5). There are three important principles we can learn from Samson’s story.           

Master Your Emotions

When we are led by our emotions instead of God’s truth, we will often make decisions that we later regret. Emotions aren’t inherently wrong, but they must be filtered and processed according to God’s Word. Samson often gave into his emotions and fleshly desires, demanding to be married to a Philistine woman, even if it went against God’s commands (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Not everyone that we think is good or looks good to us is from God. Samson’s parents warned him against marrying this woman, but Samson still insisted. (Judges 14:1-4). Although God still accomplished His purpose through Samson, Samson missed the blessing of obedience and invited heartbreak.   

Mind Your Weakness

We shouldn’t just flee from our weaknesses; we should be mindful and aware of them. In fact, God will often allow us to experience hardship and face the consequences of our disobedience and actions so that we can see our blind spots more clearly. In Samson’s case, he relied on his strength to get what he wanted, even when it violated his vow as a Nazarite (Judges 14:5-9). But God was teaching Samson a lesson – that even with great strength, he couldn’t get the wife that he wanted.  God kept showing Samson grace, giving him time to repent and change and do things God’s way. If we don’t deal with the red flags and weaknesses in our lives, it will cause more pain in the end.      

Magnify Your God

In life, we either humble ourselves before God or He will humble us through consequences. When we magnify God, we say, “Lord, You are in control, not me.” Samson didn’t learn from his past and fell again, this time with Delilah. He gave in to temptation, ignoring red flags, and eventually lost everything – even God’s presence (Judges 16:20). In the end, broken and blind, Samson cried out to God, and God gave him the strength to fulfill his purpose (Judges 16:28-30). No matter how badly we mess up, God can still redeem our story when we return to Him (1 Peter 2:24).