Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. ~Proverbs 16:32
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control. ~Proverbs 25:28
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to god. ~Ephesians 4:31-32 & 5:1-2
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ~James 1:19-20
Make every effort to live at peace with all men and to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. ~Hebrews 12:14-15
I hope that you don’t think that I’m piling on here after yesterday’s message. However, this does seem to be a good follow up. I find it amazing that, in Solomon’s mind, self-control takes more strength and will power than using force against an enemy. We are really that hard to control, even by ourselves. Wow! I’m reminded of the episode in Mark 5:1-20, that recounts the episode with Jesus and the demoniac.
The man had no self-control. Instead he was dominated by a self-identified legion of demons who had turned the man into a being with amazing brute force, but little self-awareness. For understanding, in the Roman army, a legion of soldiers was considered to refer to around 4,000 foot soldiers and around 200 cavalry. When the demon reports to Jesus that they are legion, he means there are a lot of them in there, not just one. We get a sense of their force when Jesus frees the man from their control. They then enter a nearby herd of 2,000 pigs who all plunge to their deaths as a result. For me, one of the things this event represents is the amazing tenacity of the human spirit to endure, for good or for bad.
In Galatians 5:22, we learn that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, along with the others, love, joy, peace, etc. We are expected to grow in this area of self-control, just as much as all the others. In truth, however, because of our human nature, we would find it easier to conquer a city than master ourselves.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) What we need to understand here is that “meek,” does not mean wimpy or mousy as is commonly thought. “Meek” means “power under control.” The example I always use to describe meekness is a trained horse. A horse is a powerful animal, much more powerful than the human that controls it. They are really very amazing creatures that are a force to be reckoned with if allowed to have their own way. When a trainer works to train them, they are working to harness all that power and get it under control for good. When a horse trusts its rider, it practices the self-control of submitting to the rider’s will for a peaceful, work relationship. That horse is meek, not weak. If the horse were willing to endure the punishment, it could still throw its rider, but it chooses peace.
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.” When a person has not mastered him or her self, in truth, they have mastered nothing. When we conquer ourselves first, we are free to take on anything. We need to know where our walls are broken. What are the things that tempt us away from self-discipline? We all have areas that need attention in strengthening our defenses.
There are so many that could be listed, but basically, whatever area in your life you have a hard time resisting is probably an area of your wall that could use some attention. Many are listed above in the accompanying passages. It’s not just substance abuse, food, sex, or impulse control, but the tongue, attitudes toward others, and grumbling, also damage our walls of self-defense when we are not careful.
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Cor. 10:12-13) God will provide the strength you need to reinforce your walls, if you call on Him for the help and protection you need.
You were never meant to master yourself alone. As a fruit of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit assumes that He will help you to grow this area so that you will stand strong for Him, submit meekly to Him, and serve in that controlled force for Him, for the glory of His kingdom.
Prayer: Father, I am in training. I want to submit. Help me see things your way and let me live by Your Truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Song: Take My Life
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