Exercise Self-Control...But for the Grace….don't play The Blame Game

Exercise Self-Control

2 Peter 1:6

Jesus not only commanded you to not allow your heart to be troubled and afraid, He also said, "[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled]" (John 14:27).

 

You can choose not to get upset. If you are around someone whose good opinion you value, it's amazing how much easier it can be to control yourself. It is much harder to stay calm when you are around people that have a need to impress.

When you start to get upset, remember only one thing will put an end to it. You have to stop it, you must exercise self-control. You have to get hold of yourself and say, "No, I'm not getting upset." You need to remember that everywhere you go; you are a witness for the One you serve and love.

 

But for the Grace….

1 Timothy 1:13

In this Scripture Paul speaks of his past when he aggressively and vehemently persecuted Christians and had them stoned, beaten, and jailed. His ignorance was so great he actually believed God was pleased.  But when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road, the scales fell from his eyes and he saw Truth (see Acts 9). Paul realized at that moment that he was a sinner and God's grace became a living reality in his life.

 

On the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Stephen, while being stoned, said, "Lord, fix not this sin upon them!" (Acts 7:60). What did Jesus, Paul, and Stephen have in common? They proclaimed God's grace to people who were deceived and ignorant. Recall how much mercy and grace God has given you; surely, you can extend His grace to others.

 

The Blame Game

Genesis 3:12-13

This problem has been manifesting since the beginning of time. When confronted with their sin in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve blamed each other, God, and the devil. This unwillingness to take personal responsibility by trying to blame anyone and anything that might be convenient is a major cause for not living triumphantly. While in the wilderness, the Israelites complained that all of their problems were the fault of God and Moses. This was one of the major factors that kept them wandering in the wilderness for forty years, when they could have been living in the promised land.

There is nothing more emotionally painful than facing the truth about yourself and your actions. Because it is painful, most people run from it. Admitting your own mistakes and failures is difficult, but it is the only way to freedom.

 

Colossians 3:22

This Scripture tells you to be a good, faithful, loyal, profitable, and hardworking employee. You are to do your job well and with a good attitude. You are not to be two-faced, showing your employer what you think he wants to see and then doing differently when he is not around. You need to be real, sincere, honest, and trustworthy.

Do you know what happens when you do your work with all your heart and soul, and do it not unto men but unto God? You receive your reward from Him, not your boss. You can look to the Lord for the reward you truly deserve. Tomorrow, decide to please God and His blessings will follow.