In my Proverbs reading yesterday the verses that really stuck out were the first few: When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: and out a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appetite… [verses 1 & 2]
In context, the verses go on to speak about not being envious of what others, particularly those with more, have that I do not. And I have often heard contentment when I read this passage.
But today, I saw something a little different… though in relation to contentment.
I saw self-control… or temperance.
We must have control over our appetite. Here it speaks directly of food, but we all have appetites for many things: food, books, friends, travel, money… it is all just stuff.
I have a less consuming desire for “stuff” when I am desiring the Spirit’s control.
And here my thoughts traveled….
Temperance is a part of the Fruit that the Spirit produces our lives when we allow Him to work. [Galatians 5:22,23]
And I must exercise {allow God’s Spirit to teach me!} control in my life in areas and situations that cause tension or stress. {from appetite control… hm}
Many times as a mother… my children bring tension {stress} through myriad of situations. Maybe I am in a hurry because of a lack of proper planning, and they are just pokin’ along. That brings some stress! Or one of them has a melt-down for whatever reason, and I “lose” my control.
How can my children learn what temperance is if Mommy’s life doesn’t have it!?
When I know that I will be a “single mom” [in no way implying I have any idea what single moms really feel!] for a few days… I get a little stressed. I have grown to rely on my husband as the better half of my brain, the more controlled disciplinarian, the more patient teacher, a part of me/us!
We are a team, and we work well together. {These times also give me a burden to pray more for my single parent friends!}
And while that is wonderful and in God’s design for husband and wife to become knit together like that, I must never loose sight of God’s working and growing my own life as an individual… and that as an individual, I must learn temperance.
I must allow the Spirit to bring control and calm into my life, not my husband.
So, my thoughts took an interesting route to get here, but yesterday {and today! and probably many tomorrows…} I am desiring the Spirit to produce a control in my life that can only come from Him!
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