Most people have to learn to curb their appetites for a variety of things. We see far too many addicted to gambling, eating, drinking, mind-altering drugs, illicit sex and a host of others forces. Good character is the ability to control the drives that arise within us. There is something noble and good about developing the quality of self-control. Proverbs 23:2 admonishes us to "put a knife to your throat if you are a man give to appetite." The Tenth Commandment warns us not to covet and lust.

A wise man stated, "He is a governor that governs his passions, and he is a servant that serves them." The Bible shows we will be slaves to something (Romans 6:16). There are only two ways to go—Satan's and God's. The happy and pleasant trail is the one God has built. Putting our foot on the brakes is necessary to develop control—control of the self and circumstances.