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| Control yourself. |
The passage I read
was Matthew 26:36-54
You can find that passage here:
The verse that most
stood out to me:
41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The
spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
As I reflect:
In keeping with the theme of self control this week I see
several examples given in the passage.
1- Jesus’ self control to go to a place where Judas knew to
find Him instead of hiding. This was
self control in obedience to the Father.
Sometime we as Christians can have great self control when God says, “Here
walk through this glorious open door to great blessings that I have laid out
for you.” But I wonder if we are
bi-polar in our attitude of self control.
Would we display as great self control to be obedient even when it means
hardship or trials and tribulation leading to death? Jesus wasn’t only obedient in the little
things or only in the blessings. He was
obedient even unto death. So we also
ought to be so self controlled that we chose obedience not only in the joyous
times in life, but also in times of sorrow and great hardship. Remember, not our will but His be done.
2 – the self control of Peter, James, and John (the sons of
Zebedee). So first we see a good example
of what we ought to do. Then, looking at
3 disciples we see the example of what not to do. Now I’m sure there were some kind of
spiritual attacks occurring here to lure these disciples into sleep. I’m sure their bodies, the flesh was very
tired indeed after the long walks, filling meal, and now shut eyes in pray at
this late hour. However, I believe
strongly that had they stuck to prayer, perhaps even aloud and together, they
would have overcome the sleepiness and managed to stay awake and alert. The example here for me is to pray without
ceasing and strike a blow to my flesh to keep it from leading me away from this
spiritual victory. Had Peter managed to
strengthen his walk at this time in prayer, perhaps he may never have denied
the Lord. But Jesus knew in advance the
things to come. Does he know of you and
me that we have the self control to say no to distraction and no to the flesh
and no to our weariness that we may press on in pray before our King?
3 – the self control of Peter. When they came for Jesus, Peter drew a sword
and struck a guard’s ear. Now I don’t
know about you, but I know I have many times wanted to respond in my flesh with
violence. Even in just a violent word I
have been tempted by this world. It is
the flesh that responds with no self control.
Here Peter exhibits this for us to know that the nature of man is abroad
in all. Later however, Peter exhibits a
far more powerful sword and with self control over the flesh he gives us a far
greater example in how to wield the sword of the spirit. He cuts to even the heart of men and they are
changed forever. Acts 2: 37 When the people heard
this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles,
“Brothers, what shall we do?”38 Peter replied, “Repent
and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit.39 The promise is for you and your children and
for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Let us also use the self control over the
flesh to not lash out in anger, but use the Holy Spirit who is present in us
that we would respond in a righteous and Biblical manner.
How much greater a witness to all we would be if we
exhibited self control in prayer, word, and deed and if we responded with the
Holy Spirit and chose obedience in every situation?
My response:
Jehovah, I have not fully obtained all that I preach. I am in need of your grace. I am in constant need for you to fill me with
that which I lack for apart from you I am nothing. I bring my petition before you to exhibit
greater self control in the workplace, in my home, and abroad. May my life overflow with the characteristics
and supernatural presence of your Holy Spirit Father. In Jesus’ name.
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