Walls

The Great Wall of China was erected in the third century B.C. as a defense against raids by nomadic peoples from the north. Throughout succeeding centuries, especially during the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644) the Great Wall was repaired and extended in length, finally stretching for 4,500 miles.

Centuries before the Great Wall was begun, biblical cultures used walls to protect themselves from marauders as well as to draw boundaries around themselves for purposes of identity. To be effective, walls had to be maintained. The slightest foothold in a fortress wall could give the enemy a fateful advantage (Ephesians 4:27 NIV). Modern armaments have made walls obsolete as defensive structures. But there is one wall that is the Christian's primary defense against personal destruction: the wall of self-control. Failure to maintain self-control is like opening the city gates to the enemy; like issuing an invitation to the devil and his legions. Make a defensive assessment today, and fix what has fallen into disrepair.

Kingdoms have been lost for want of a strong wall. Don't let a lack of self-control be the ruin of yours.
(Turning Point Daily Devotional, 8/20/03)