Patience and Self-Control

 It has always been difficult for me to be patient. I am not sue if I have some hyperactive disorder, but I am always in the mindset to get things done as fast as possible. That part of my nature has caused me more problems than I can count and more than I care to remember. My whole life has been a process of learning patience. At the same time I have been learning self-control. It really makes a difference to be able to do what I need to do when I need to do it and the way it needs to be done.

The Bible makes a great point about these two aspects of human character. (Proverbs 16:32) "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city" It takes some time to let this verse sink in so that we really comprehend what God is saying to us, but if we will tarry on it for a few minutes, I believe we will be much better off in our lives. Let's ask God to show us some things that will help us.

Most of us want to be powerful. We don't want other people to be able to run over us. We want to have a job with a lot of authority, where we make the big decisions and direct the actions of others. We want to be able to do whatever we want to do on our own without help. However, if we are not patient, we will make so many mistakes that we will ruin things when we use our power. Patience is a prerequisite to thinking through things and listening to the Lord before charging ahead. Therefore, it is much better than being powerful.

Sure, it would be great to conquer a city, to be the victor and to rule over other people. However, if we can't rule ourselves, we would make a mess of that. Self-control is conquering ourselves. It is bringing our mind, will, and emotions under the control of the Spirit, so we do the right thing, not the wrong thing. It is the fruit of the Spirit, so we have to give up control of our life to the holy Spirit to develop self-control, but it is very worth it. The ordered, disciplined life is so much better than a life that is out of control. Therefore, we need self-control to accomplish anything worthwhile and lasting.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 17-19.