Scripture
A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back. (Proverbs 29:11)
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 29:20)
A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. (Proverbs 29:23)
Observation
I can recall almost every single moment, when I lost control because of a situation I deemed out of control. It’s like one of those angel on one shoulder, devil on the other moments; and unfortunately I’ve chosen to follow the latter too often. In each and every instance of failure I root it back to one clear and obvious factor. My pride.
Pride leads me to do great things at times. I’m proud to be called a child of God and to serve His kingdom and will do everything within me to achieve the call on my life and the task He’s placed in front of me. However, in this furious attack to succeed and “give God my very best”, I carelessly neglect the bodies I leave behind, the hearts I break, the dreams I crush.
Application
I’ve acted foolishly and have lost temper, being hasty in my words and thus losing hope. At least that’s how Solomon quantifies a wise and humble man. But this doesn’t have to be the end all, I don’t have to have the label of “a short tempered hasty fool”. Acknowledging a problem is the first step to solving it. Although I can recall numerous moments of failure, I can also remember the few successes, times when I would chill out and not give in, choosing instead to be a “wise man” and hold it back.
The big difference? I chose to love and encourage rather than break down and destroy. I put others before myself. I looked up to my Creator instead of the chaos around me. Why? I have no idea...but I’m committed to figuring it out.
Did each reaction, either negative or positive produce different results? Not really, however the result in me is what I’m after. Plans will fail, men will fall short, problems will occur, but I need to choose to remain steadfast...not only in my commitment to give God my very best in task, but in my commitment to give God my very best in the success of the attitude and position of my heart. I need to Love God and Love People with my heart, soul, mind and strength. So, I choose to be wise, humble and hopeful.
Prayer
Jesus, not change of transformation can come aside from You. I give you my heart, melt me, mold me, use me, fill me. My the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to chill out and let You do Your thing, in Your timing and for Your glory.
