Think Clearly and Exercise Self-control

“So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”

─ 1 Peter 1:13 NLT

After waiting nearly an hour for a table, the family was seated for dinner. Bob had been grumbling (along with his stomach) the whole time. After several minutes, a server arrived to hurriedly take their orders. Bob shot a few barbed remarks toward the flustered waitress. When the food finally arrived half an hour later, it was overcooked and incorrect.

Having built up to the boiling point, Bob loudly berated the girl and demanded to see the manager. As other diners looked on, the tirade continued. Bob never noticed his wife’s hand on his arm or the stricken looks on the faces of his children.

If you don’t work toward having healthy responses to your emotions, the results can be destructive to your faith, relationships, health, finances and work. Peter encourages us in our verse today to think clearly and exercise self-control.

Another disciple, James said, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20 ESV)

When emotions run free, they can hijack your life. Bob reacted, instead of taking the time to think first and then respond. When you intentionally try to think like Christ, your actions will follow.

Today’s One Thing

Emotions are a part of the way God made you, but He wants you to keep them under control. Pay attention to the emotions that arise. Think about: the origin of an emotion when it hits you, whether it feels good or painful and where this emotion is taking you. Then respond to others in a Christ-like manner.

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