Walking With Jesus (Self Control)Sample

Learn from Jesus 

“...learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 

Matthew 11:29

Lord Jesus said, "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). To produce spiritual qualities that are gentle and humble, we have to go through a phase of self-control that is not short and easy. Gentleness means the ability to not retaliate, a heart that is not hard, but flexible to the changes that God wants. Meekness also means giving up our rights, while humility means considering others as more important than ourselves. Humility can also mean complete dependence on God.

1 Timothy 3:2-5 mentioned a series of requirements for church overseers;  almost all of them are characteristics that require self-control, such as the ability to restrain themselves, be polite, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, and so on. Likewise, Apostle Paul showed that characteristics, such as not being greedy, not having a perverse tongue, and not indulging in much wine, were required to be a deacon.  Apostle Paul advised the wives, “Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.” (verse 11).

In his letter to Timothy, Paul also wrote, “For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” (verse 5). It also means that our leadership and self-control amidst the family affect the success of our ministry or work wherever we are. Most of us manage to control ourselves at church or in other places of ministry, but may be unable to do so when we are with our families. Often the pulpit and ministry activities become effective places to run and hide from ourselves or the things that we can’t control.  Because of this reason, let us come and learn from Lord Jesus because He is the only One who is gentle and humble in heart.

Reflection:

1. What is your attitude towards your family when you are at home? Is it better or worse?

2. Have you been an example to your children or your spouse at home?

Application: 

If you want your life to affect those around you–then be an example in your own family first!