Have you ever lost your cool? Have you ever exploded when you shouldn't have? Maybe your worship leader of a church member asked you something and you blew them off because you were in a hurry to do something else?
We recently made some upgrades to our video system. Just as the service was about to start, everything that could go wrong went wrong. With only a few minutes to go, I could feel the tendrils of stress and anxiety creeping in. During times like that it is so easy to lash out at people that are around you. It is easy to wear your frustration on your face for all to see.
With only a few minutes to go, I could feel the tendrils of stress and anxiety creeping in ...
Something that I have personally struggled with for many years is letting other people and circumstances control my mood and my attitude. Instead of being in control of my emotions, I let my emotions control me. Instead of choosing my attitude I tend to let an attitude choose me.
I think part of the reason that this same condition affects so many tech directors is that we are so passionate about we do. We are so invested in it. But when something goes wrong or when we experience criticism or an angry church member, we take it personally. Then we lose all control and often wish we could take back our words and actions that aren't entirely pleasing to God.
God's Word has a lot to say about self-control. We know it is one of the fruits of the spirit, but I feel like it is one of the most overlooked ones.
Proverbs 25:28 says, "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
This Proverb teaches us that a lack of self-control is similar to a defenseless city. When we have no control of our words and actions we allow our lives to be controlled by outside sources. Circumstances will soon dictate our attitudes. Those we work for will determine our moods. Even our peers can greatly influence our outlook and self-worth.
We often try to control our circumstances, we try to control our family and friends, we even try to control our colleagues ... but do we try to control the only person that we actually have ultimate control over? Me, myself, and I!
Follow the Leader
The problem with self-control is that when we try to gain control of our own life we will often fall short. It is because we are trying to control ourselves with sheer willpower and not by the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot adequately have control over ourselves without His help.
When you strive to live your life in a spirit-led fashion, you will find that a by-product is that you will become more self-controlled.
See, the key to living a self-controlled life is actually not you being in control of yourself. The secret is by living a spirit-controlled life; a life that is directed by the power of the Holy Spirit; a life where He is leading, guiding, and directing.
When you strive to live your life in a spirit-led fashion, you will find that a by-product is that you will become more self-controlled. You will find that your emotions and temper do not fluctuate by every outside circumstance because your life is anchored in Him.
As you go through your week don't allow other people or circumstances dictate your mood. Instead, practice self-control by following the leading of the Spirit in everything that you do.
