"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Proverbs 16:32
Unless you can control yourself, you will never be able to properly control and influence others! The secret of quietness, gentleness, and sober self-control is found in always keeping nearer to God than to anything or anyone else. A Christian can endure with composure almost any circumstance if he has properly yielded himself to the Spirit of God.
Many years ago the Gospel Herald carried the story of Samuel Stokes, an American missionary who walked through the villages in the darkest part of India, carrying only a water-bottle and a blanket. This dear man of God trusted wholly to native hospitality and the providence of God for his food and lodging. In one village he was given a very hostile reception. The head men of the town sat in chairs in a circle smoking and eating, leaving him to recline on the dirty floor. When he asked if he might nurse their sick and teach them of Christ, they hurled horrible insults at him; but by the grace of God he controlled his tongue and made no reply. Finally they gave him some food - just a few stale crusts in a filthy bowl. He thanked them courteously and, in order to win them to Christ, ate what had been set before him. For two days they treated him thus. On the third day, the head man laid his turban at Mr. Stokes' feet as a token of his respect. He explained that they had heard that Jesus' disciples were commanded to love their enemies and they could not believe the truth of this statement. They had decided, therefore, to put him to the test when he came to their town. The result had amazed them. Now they brought him their choicest food and were eager to hear his teaching. He realized then that if he had lost his temper, he would have missed his chance to witness to this benighted group of heathen. Let us also pray for grace to be meek and in full control of our own spirit.
"Bread For Each Day"
No comments:
Post a Comment