Perhaps you have a loose cannon, smashing around unpredictably on the inside, down deep where most people never go. Yours won’t look at all like the one in Hugo’s story, but it is something which could cause a lot of harm and danger if left unchecked. Is it anger? Proverbs 25:28 tells us, "A man who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down" (HCSB).
Is it lust? 1 Corinthians 6:18 warns, "Run from sexual immorality!"
Perhaps the loose cannon is more like a loose tongue? Again, the Scripture admonishes, that "only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear," should be what comes out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29). Instead, we are to speak the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15).
In my own life, I've discovered that these are things I cannot control on my own. This is one of the reasons Scripture tells us we are to be "crucified with Christ," so that the lives we now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself up for us (see Galatians 2:20). I have to turn control of my life over to Him on a regular basis.
If I don't, well, it's not pretty. I hurt myself and others, too.
So it’s time—no, past time—to “go below” and take care of it. Spend some time with the Lord and with His Word and humble yourself before Him. Seek His forgiveness and His strength. Your life, your relationships, your witness and ministry are all at stake.
--Rocky Henriques, www.uticabc.com