Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 187: Today, I am grateful we can choose self-control.
I recently spent some time in Joshua with the record of Joshua and the Israelites taking Jericho, as God promised them the land. It is a fascinating read. God's faithfulness was unwavering. The people's faithlessness would resurge time and time again and they would forget God. They would go rogue and wonder what went wrong.
In more ancient times, the wall around a city provided protection from enemy attacks. Walls were built to protect and to give a good view of who was approaching in times of danger and war. A wall provided security and made a statement about the city. Great cities had great walls.
Nehemiah stepped down from being a cupbearer to the king to lead the people in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall. He had no idea that God had so much more in store for him, besides construction management. Still, he was willing to say "yes" when God called him to rebuild the wall. Walls mattered.
King David's son, King Solomon, makes this statement:
What a great piece of wisdom! The one who loses self control ...and spews ugly venom on those around them ... is not wise. Our ability to self-control and self-monitor impacts all of our relationships. Words and actions spewed in anger can not be called back. They can do far more damage than most people realize... until it is too late. A harsh word spoken cannot be called back. There is no undo or re-do.
It is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. We are told to love our neighbor as ourselves. Sometimes, we do this best by keeping control of our tongues. We never know how God is working in the life of another. We never know what he is up to. We don't want careless words or whispers to get in His way.
I know... easier said than done. We are works in progress.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
-1 Thessalonians 5:11
What shall we build today?
Today, I am grateful we can choose self-control.
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