Proverbs 25:28
Recently, I was traveling with my family, running errands. As we talked, laughed, and enjoyed one another's company, a small sedan raced up the middle turning lane amid a busy town, passing us and five other cars. The driver then quickly pulls back into the lane, cutting in front of another vehicle, causing all brake lights to light up. The driver then jerks their car back into the turning lane and travels nearly 100 yards to arrive at the stop light before everyone else, only to miss their turning light due to some distraction in their car.
Moments later, a small coupe utilizes the turning lane to pass three other vehicles that had slowed down as another turned. This small coupe then raced down the road, clearly breaking the speed limit, and passed a small pickup utilizing the turning lane yet again. Interestingly enough, both aggressive vehicles were navy blue. Blue seems to be the new color of aggression on the roads these days. Who knew?
Later, on the interstate, a tractor-trailer became aggressive with a small SUV. Apparently, his priorities surpassed those of the driver of the small SUV, so he felt that bringing his front bumper as close as possible to the back bumper of said SUV, at 70+ mph, would surely inform the driver that he was an important man who needed to pass them. I mean, come on - who doesn't love a good game of bumper cars on the highway, right?
People in a hurry often lose control of their spirit and fail to consider the possibility of a catastrophe. Such events mark the lawless spirit within the out-of-control world we all live in.
You may have heard someone say, "The world doesn't revolve around you." But, in reality, most people think the world revolves around them. However, for Christians, this ought to be different.
The Bible is clear about how God's children should exercise self-control. In Proverbs 25:28, we read, "He that hath no rule over his spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." During times of impulse and pride, people often make the most foolish decisions, which lead to the worst consequences.
Unfortunately, some people just have a harder time controlling their spirit than others, but God is meant to be our helper. Despite our weak flesh, as Christians, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us exercise self-control (Gal 5:22-23). With Christ, we can do all things (Phil 4:13). Being self-controlled is a matter of humility and obedience.
Proverbs 25:28 teaches us that having no control over our spirit makes us vulnerable. When we are vulnerable, our enemy, Satan, takes advantage. However, if we submit to God, we can resist the devil, and he will flee from us. But, we must first submit to God.
A controlled believer says, "Not my will, but God's will be done," and "Not my pride, but God's purpose be glorified." Let us lay aside impulse and foolish aggression and pick up humility and surrender, leaving the outcome up to God and start living a controlled life.
Practical Ways To Develop Self-Control:
Know God's Word (2 Tim 3:16)
Identify Your Triggers (Matt 5:29-30)
Prepare For Failure & Suffering (1 Cor 10:13, 1 Peter 4:1)
Pray Often (Phil 4:6-7, 1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 5:7)
Abide In Christ (John 15:5, Phil 4:13)
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