Walking With Jesus (Self Control)Sample

Resignation 

“Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Therefore, when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.” 

John 6:14-15

We often see in the Bible how Lord Jesus avoided the crowds to pray in private. Whenever people wanted to make Him a famous star, Jesus would run to pray. When they wanted to make Him king because He could "make bread,” Jesus went to pray (John 6:15). When they wanted to make Him a famous healer, Jesus left the crowds and went to pray so that He could have time for His top priority, talking to His Father. He went to the Father as if to say: "Father, people have made Me a star and have put the stars on My shoulders. They have given me a title. Father, take it from me. Let me only be the Son."

Many believers receive praise from the crowd and then start to "go up" and continue to rise until they become victims of their success. They are locked in their position and unable to come down from human's given position. That is why Lord Jesus lived a life called "withdrawal". He withdrew from the flattery and the limelight of the crowd. After healing the sick, He often told the person not to tell other people about it. Lord Jesus was so much different from the dreams and passions of most Christians and God's ministers today.

Even though He could do it, Lord Jesus never built a denomination. He was more interested in building movements, His relationship with the Father, and people. It was there where He invested His best life and energy. That was His main passion, and it was far from looking for praise.

Reflection:

1. Answer honestly, what is the attitude of your heart when you receive praise for something you do, for example, for your successful ministry or work?

2. Have you acknowledged with all your heart that everything you have belongs to God, including the praise given to you?

Application: 

Whatever we receive, whether it is a blessing or praise – let's return it to Lord Jesus who gave it all.