Tag Archives: self-control

October 22
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“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

Who doesn’t want power?

Who doesn’t want to be loved?

Who doesn’t want self-discipline?

God’s spirit within us provides the wherewithal to live confidently; to walk boldly; and to control the only thing in this world that we truly have a say about: Our own actions.

We release the power of the Holy Spirit, Who lives within us, through obedience to the Spirit’s leading.  Failure to obey the Spirit leads to the same unfruitful ends as failing to obey a road map, or a recipe.  – Luther

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September 28
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“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

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August 19
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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 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

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