When Jesus stood before Pilot and the mob crying for his crucifixion, the one thing my attention is drawn to is his self control in the midst of the cruelest of mocking and ridicule.
He stood silent, unmoving, battered and bleeding from head to foot; but still majestic, kingly, in regal dignity. There stood an example of power under control. Here even in his weakest of moments, he possessed his spirit, and controlled it. The circumstances around him, the people persecuting him, the pain in his body he was enduring, did not affect his responses.
He had the ability to call angels at any time to rescue him from this hellish crowd, but he stood there and took it. Yes, he took it for me, and you.
He told us we would be treated the same way, if they did this to Him, we face it also.
Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
However, the people of the world have their own ability to put on a front of dignity, self importance, and politeness. But is a craft developed to fit in with the world. Many times underneath the fascade of kindness is cruel humor and evil intentions at your expense.
There are times when the most difficult thing you can do, is say nothing and walk away; but this is the power of self control. Not allowing the cruelty or ridicule of other's to dictate your own behavior. While they are laughing, and ridiculing you, God is watching, and His eyes are on you. A silent prayer for His help is all that's needed for the strength to do the right thing; I can say this with all assurance. When you know who you are in God's sight, the stupidity of other's can be seen for just what it is, and you can feel sorry for them.
You young people who are bullied at school, God loves you. He cares about what you face every day in that school environment. Don't let their small minded ignorance destroy you. Talk to someone, talk to your family, a pastor. Don't keep it to yourself. The people who are bullying you are weak themselves, they are the ones with serious problems. Again, feel sorry for them, and realize you are not a victim, take stock of your own abilities, and your worth.
Perhaps you've been in a group of people and felt something wasn't right, but couldn't put your finger on it at first. Then it becomes obvious you are in hostile territory, but they are wearing smiles on their faces. You know once your out the door, you will be their topic of conversation.
The quote below fits many today.
He stood silent, unmoving, battered and bleeding from head to foot; but still majestic, kingly, in regal dignity. There stood an example of power under control. Here even in his weakest of moments, he possessed his spirit, and controlled it. The circumstances around him, the people persecuting him, the pain in his body he was enduring, did not affect his responses.
He had the ability to call angels at any time to rescue him from this hellish crowd, but he stood there and took it. Yes, he took it for me, and you.
He told us we would be treated the same way, if they did this to Him, we face it also.
Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
However, the people of the world have their own ability to put on a front of dignity, self importance, and politeness. But is a craft developed to fit in with the world. Many times underneath the fascade of kindness is cruel humor and evil intentions at your expense.
There are times when the most difficult thing you can do, is say nothing and walk away; but this is the power of self control. Not allowing the cruelty or ridicule of other's to dictate your own behavior. While they are laughing, and ridiculing you, God is watching, and His eyes are on you. A silent prayer for His help is all that's needed for the strength to do the right thing; I can say this with all assurance. When you know who you are in God's sight, the stupidity of other's can be seen for just what it is, and you can feel sorry for them.
You young people who are bullied at school, God loves you. He cares about what you face every day in that school environment. Don't let their small minded ignorance destroy you. Talk to someone, talk to your family, a pastor. Don't keep it to yourself. The people who are bullying you are weak themselves, they are the ones with serious problems. Again, feel sorry for them, and realize you are not a victim, take stock of your own abilities, and your worth.
Perhaps you've been in a group of people and felt something wasn't right, but couldn't put your finger on it at first. Then it becomes obvious you are in hostile territory, but they are wearing smiles on their faces. You know once your out the door, you will be their topic of conversation.
The quote below fits many today.
Phone scammers are another example. They call people who are unaware of their intentions, for the soul purpose of getting a kick out of spoofing the victim, or trying to get money from them. All the while laughing hilariously at you between themselves. I can laugh also, because one day, if they don't repent someone a lot greater than I will take care of them.
Many elders have lost large sums of money by listening to these criminals. When this happens to me, they may get away with it once, but not twice, and never will anyone get a dime from me.
In today's world, there are many that fit the description below.
Pro 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
The one with no self control is the one who commits violence, and works every kind of lawlessness, and cares nothing of the welfare of other's.
The commentary below gives some good advice on Proverbs 25:28.
SELF-CONTROL
In this paragraph we have good advice as to our dealings with the varied characters with whom we are forced into daily contact. Here is a man hard as a bone-try gentleness, for a soft tongue will win his heart, just because it finds a new and unexpected way of approach which no one else has tried for long years…. Beware of honeyed words; you may get stung.… Do not make yourself too common, or pry into your neighbor’s affairs, or ask his help too often…. Keep clear of the tale-bearer.… Be very careful to whom you confide your troubles…. Vinegar poured on potash makes it effervesce; so joyous mirth is incongruous to a heavy heart…. Even if your love fails to meet your enemy, the Lord will reward you by revealing and communicating His own perfection, Mat_5:43-48.… If you frown on a backbiter, you will silence him.… Do not give way to the wicked, lest you become a corrupted spring…. Rule over your spirit-nay, better, hand over its keys to Emmanuel, and let Him be crowned in Mansoul. (F.B. Meyer comm)
Paul sums up the results of the power of self control in the believer:
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
The person who allows the Holy Spirit to control their spirit will have all the temptations and difficulties of life. But, the difference is the intentions of the heart.
Lorna Couillard
Many elders have lost large sums of money by listening to these criminals. When this happens to me, they may get away with it once, but not twice, and never will anyone get a dime from me.
In today's world, there are many that fit the description below.
Pro 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
The one with no self control is the one who commits violence, and works every kind of lawlessness, and cares nothing of the welfare of other's.
The commentary below gives some good advice on Proverbs 25:28.
SELF-CONTROL
In this paragraph we have good advice as to our dealings with the varied characters with whom we are forced into daily contact. Here is a man hard as a bone-try gentleness, for a soft tongue will win his heart, just because it finds a new and unexpected way of approach which no one else has tried for long years…. Beware of honeyed words; you may get stung.… Do not make yourself too common, or pry into your neighbor’s affairs, or ask his help too often…. Keep clear of the tale-bearer.… Be very careful to whom you confide your troubles…. Vinegar poured on potash makes it effervesce; so joyous mirth is incongruous to a heavy heart…. Even if your love fails to meet your enemy, the Lord will reward you by revealing and communicating His own perfection, Mat_5:43-48.… If you frown on a backbiter, you will silence him.… Do not give way to the wicked, lest you become a corrupted spring…. Rule over your spirit-nay, better, hand over its keys to Emmanuel, and let Him be crowned in Mansoul. (F.B. Meyer comm)
Paul sums up the results of the power of self control in the believer:
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
The person who allows the Holy Spirit to control their spirit will have all the temptations and difficulties of life. But, the difference is the intentions of the heart.
Lorna Couillard
