Tag Archives: self-control

May 16
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“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”  (Proverbs 16:32, NIV)

Activity is often overrated.  Because of this, we confuse movement with productivity.

Although most of us love to be seen as “proactive,” “energetic,” “take-charge,” or “engaging”; we need to know that the Lord values other adjectives more highly: “Patient,” “long-suffering,” “self-possessed,” and “peaceable.”

Many things we choose to “force” in life would come to us with far less struggle and strife were we only to wait on the Lord.  Recall the times in your life when you moved on something — or someone — just because you could; or because you wanted to “show-off.”  In many of those instances, couldn’t you have achieved the same result with far less energy, drama, or pain to others?

All true warriors know that the best victory is the one that is gained without having to go into battle.

Wait on the Lord.  He opens doors that no one can shut; and He closes doors that no one can open.  – Luther

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September 17
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“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”  (Proverbs 25:28, NIV)

Today’s proverb is reflected in the words of the modern philosopher, police detective Harry Callahan, as he stated in the 1973 movie, “Dirty Harry”: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”

We err on two fronts when we uncritically adopt the conventional wisdom that “the sky is the limit” when it comes to human endeavor.  For example, much of our fatigue and lack of focus is due to our failure to preserve (and to observe) wholesome limits on our personal ambitions; or in protecting ourselves from the unvetted demands of others.  Here, we err by excess.

We err by deficiency when we stop well-short of our personal boundaries (aka “limits”) for doing good.  Have we reached the limit of our compassion for others?  Have we reached the limit of our mercy for the wounded?  Have we reached the limit of our love for the unloved and for the unlovely?

To lack “self-control” is to deprive oneself of opportunities for blessing and good works, as much as it is to protect oneself from trouble.  – Luther

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May 21
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“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. . .”  (Philippians 1:27a, NIV)

To be a disciple of Jesus means surrendering the privilege of self-justification.

Paul reminds us that external circumstances must not dictate our response.  In all that we do, our sole ambition is to please our heavenly Father.  We engage in self-justification at the risk of causing the gospel of Jesus to lose its opportunity to engage those who need it.

Today, resolve to conduct all of your affairs in a manner worthy of the good news of our Lord.  We can do no more; we should expect from ourselves no less.  – Luther

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