Tag Archives: self-control

“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.  The harm is often as devastating as it is irreparable.

Today, remember to measure your words.  Count to ten before giving an answer.  Store that prickly e-mail in the “drafts” folder for a while, and re-read it later.  Hold that text message.  Delay the tweet.  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

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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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“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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