|
|
God's Exquisite Garden
OUR LEGACY
How shall I be remembered? Will others remember me as a spiritually minded person governed by self-control?
If we are to cultivate self-control, we must contemplate these three indispensable areas of our lives.
They are our thoughts, our words, and our actions.
(1) OUR MENTAL CHARACTER
Often people are heard saying, "I spoke without thinking..", Jesus said,"...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34). We say and we are what we think! Solomon said, "For as he thinketh within himself, so is he." (Prov. 23:7)
David prayed, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer." Psalm 119:14. If we are to act wisely, we must restrain our thoughts.
|
|
|
(2) OUR SPEECH
In (Matt. 12:36-37) we are told in the Bible that we will be justified or condemned by our words. The tongue is powerful. James 3 talks about the power of the tongue to speak either corrupt words or profitable and pleasant words. James 1:19-20 says,"...But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" In (James 4:11), we are admonished not to speak against our brother. God wants us to have flawless speech (Titus 2:8), and edify(build up) others (Eph. 4:29)
|
|
|
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9(NKJV)
|
|
|
|
3. OUR CONDUCT
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city." (Prov. 16:32). "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." (Eccl.7:9)
There will be words spoken, looks given, pressures exerted, unjustified attacks, and accidents that happen which arouse anger in the Christian. When these things occur the Christian must remain calm.
The Christian needs to control his anger, "A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it." Prov.29:11. In Prov. 15:1 we are informed that"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger." Anger must not be allowed to dwell in us; the apostle Paul said, "Be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Eph. 4:26
The works of the flesh are listed by Paul. In Galations 5:19-21 he instructs those who effectually exercise these sins that they will not enter the Kingdom of God. Paul not only admonishes us not to sin, but tells us to "...abstain from every form of evil."- I Thess. 5:22, Peter says"....abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." I Peter 2:11. The wise man Solomon urged, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and walk not in the way of the evil man. Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on." Prov. 4:14-15
The preceding thoughts were paraphrased from the book - HOW SHALL I BE REMEMBERED ? It was compiled by various ladies who are Bible teachers and a copy of this book is in my library.
|
|
|
|
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt. Colossians 4:6
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29
A soft answer turneth away wrath. Proverbs 15:1
|
|
|
Every man has a right to utter what he thinks truth, and every other man has a right to knock him down for it.
Samuel Johnson
Remember, every time you open your mouth to talk, your mind walks out and parades up and down the words. Edwin H. Stuart
|
|
First think, and then speak.
He cannot speak well that cannot hold his tongue.
He that speaks much is much mistaken.
Hear much, speak little.
Teach your child to hold his tongue; he'll learn fast enough to speak.
They talk most who have the least to say.
|
Copyright 2007 Linda Lawrence
Lessons in this Series
 |
A Grandparent's Legacy: Your Life Story in Your Own Words
By Countryman
* Organize your cherished family memories in this keepsake diary! Designed as a yearlong project, each month offers 12 intriguing questions with space to record personal answers. Topics explore family history, childhood recollections, cherished traditions, spiritual adventures, a lifetime of dreams, and more. 192 pages, 5.25" x 8.25" spiralbound padded hardcover from Countryman.
|
Photos courtesy Stock Xchng Also Stock Xchng and
Stock Xchng
|
