June 6                                           2 Kgs 4 - 6

SELF CONTROL

MEMORISE: ‘And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.’ (1 Cor 9:25)
READ: 1 Corinthians 9: 24- 27

An attribute needed by the person God wants to use is temperance. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galathians 5: 22-23. temperance derives from the Greek word of enkrateia meaning ‘self-control’. This is moderation in one’s appetites and passions.

According to our reading, if you want to overcome your opponent and be a winner, you must learn first how to subdue your body. Paul says the body should be kept under. Why? The flesh is a strong enemy whose duty it is to stop you from pleasing God. If you let this be, you cannot please God. For you to make headway spiritually, physically, and materially, you need to put your body in its rightful place – under the rule of the Spirit.

Some Christians who have knows the Lord for several years are still allowing anger to take its toll on them. Titus 2:2 says that your ability to control yourself is the hallmark of the mature Christian. You should not get angry easily; it is temporary madness. You must vow to stop and yield yourself to God, for him to strengthen your spirit man in subduing your flesh.

After our marriage many years ago, my wife and I agreed we must not be angry at the same time. But one day, while traveling from Ilesha to Lagos, something angered her. She was justified and had an opportunity to hit back to me. She started talking and I also became angry, but I was the one driving. I felt trapped, because there was nowhere to run to. To avoid an outburst and so as not to break our agreement, I stopped and parked the car on the road and walked back towards Ilesha, leaving her an our baby.

Having trekked for about a mile, I arrived at a village, bought some fruit and started eating some while I took the rest to her as peace offering. When she saw me, her fears died and we continued our journey. You can confront that temper. By the grace of God you can be in control of your temper.

ACTION POINT
Pray for God’s blessing, protection and guidance on Pastor E.A. Adeboye and his family. Ask God to fully accomplish his purpose for their lives.