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Jesus Makes the Hard Choice
Hi everyone. Today for our study,
I want to draw your attention to a single statement
made by Jesus that says volumes concerning this
matter of self-control. It is made by a Savior who
had already prayed that God, if it was His will,
might take away the cup of which he was about to
partake. His anguish was so great concerning the
coming turmoil that he had sweated blood.
Nevertheless, when faced with the angry mob about to
arrest him and the willingness of Peter to defend
him to death, he says in Mt. 26:53, “Thinkest thou
that I cannot now pray my Father, and he shall
presently give me more than twelve legions of
angels?”
Brothers and sisters, just because
we can do a thing does not mean that we should. In
danger of His life, Christ would not do what he
could to escape because there was a more important
cause at stake than his life or comfort. It was a
cause bigger than the Son of God. It was the
salvation of every soul that had ever faithfully
served or would ever faithfully serve God. Brothers,
if Christ, our creator, sustainer, savior and judge
perceived that a cause was more important than
himself, how must we, who are not worthy to tie his
shoes, perceive that same cause, and every part of
it, as being more important than ourselves. It is
our ultimate self-control. We too should always
think about the higher cause for which we live and
the greater influence we are trying to leave before
others.
This has broad application. I
should not necessarily have more food because I can.
I should not watch some programs because I can. I
should not go to some places just because I can. I
should not give in to some temptations because they
are available. “Love seeketh not her own.” I should
not say some things just because they are true (you
can see that, can’t you). I should not give someone
an answer to homework or testing because I know it.
I should not always remain silent about what is
right, simply because my speaking might cause
friction or turmoil. The list goes on.
Self-control should do what is
right, not what is convenient or easy or possible.
Food for thought I hope. |