Developing Sef-Control
Another title for Sunday's message could be "Are You Stupid or Something?" (and we know the answer to that is, "Stupid Is as Stupid Does")
Proverbs 29:11
A fool (a stupid person) gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (stupidity).
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool (stupid person) is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to be stupid!
Pastor Dennis gave us some helpful tools this morning to help prevent my stupidity. Two of them, especially, spoke to me...
- Restrain my words-How often God warns us in the Bible to have "tongue control." It would be worth my while (and maybe yours) to look up, read and think about some of those Bible verses this week. A quick search came up with--Psalms 141:3, Proverbs 10:14&19, 12:13, 17:27-28, 21:23; James 1:26, 3:2. I know I tend to talk too much...God can help me restrain my words.
- Reflect before I react-How often when I have risen up in self-righteous, stinky (yep, I am a skunk at times) indignation, I have found that I don't have all the facts straight...yikes... and have to eat crow (Skunks don't like crow!). Reflecting on the the verse in Colossians 3 that Pastor Dennis gave (I recommend starting with verse12 and read through verse 17) will give us something to think about while we wait the 20 minutes to react. Here, I will give it to you to read now...it's good...Colossians 3: 12-17-Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (New Living Translation)...maybe just maybe I will memorize this to occupy my mind and mouth during that 20 minutes...Better than stinking up the place!
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