Thought for Sunday, June 30th

Saying the right thing at the right time is definitely something that all of us need to work on; but, an even bigger snare of the devil for most of us is learning to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.  That's a mouthful, right?!  What it really comes down to is knowing when to say nothing at all.  In a disagreement, we all like to be the one to have the last word---to be the victor by using that one last remark, normally said in sarcasm or just plain meanness.  It's really very difficult for any of us to just not say anything at all, especially when we feel adamantly that we are right in the matter.  This is where self-control comes into play.  The Bible word for self-control is "temperance", and Scripture tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 that this is a fruit of the Spirit.  In other words, the Holy Spirit of God fills us with it.

I've shared before the wise words of my Pastor's wife because I've never forgotten them, "If it would feel good to your flesh to say what you're about to say, you better reconsider, because whatsoever is of the flesh cannot please God."

May we all beg God for the grace of temperance, because we live in a society where self-control is not even thought of, much less practiced.  But, girls, God desires so much more for us. 


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
       Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Scripture Reading for the Day:

Proverbs 30
Matthew 7