Tag Archives: self-control

September 28
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29, NLT)

Researchers estimate that the average person speaks 16,000 words a day.

Each day, of course, has its own frustrations.  When challenged, do we go with the flow; cursing the situation or heaping abuse on others?  Or, do we choose words that create an island of hope and encouragement for others in the midst of the currents of hopelessness and discouragement?

How many of your 16,000 words today will you allocate to bring light, life, refuge, and encouragement to those who hear you?  – Luther

Tagged , ,
August 19
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“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 a 20th Century philosopher — movie character Harry Callahan — who stated:  “A man’s got to know his limitations.” (“Dirty Harry,” 1973)

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

Tagged , ,
April 10
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (Proverbs 29:20, NIV)

We live in a time where we can communicate with millions of other people in seconds, which is all the more reason we ought to heed the advice of today’s proverb.

Each day brings fresh, public examples of people speaking first, and thinking second — and the harm is often as devastating as it is irreparable.

Today, remember to measure your words. Count to ten before giving the snarky reply. Store that prickly e-mail in the “drafts” folder for a while, and re-read it later.  Hold that text message: Pressing “send” in the heat of a matter often leads to regret.

God’s wisdom is as useful in the electronic age as it was in the oral age!  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →