Dear Sister,
As the autumn leaves begin to express changes beyond their control, I meditate upon what truly controls those changes that always result in the colorful splendor of a landscape that had been monochromatic for many months. It is not that the leaves lack self control. It is that they submit to the One Who controls the leaves—and everything else in His Creation.
Often enough, I think that I am in control of my time and space, my person and health, my ambitions and my will. I make my agenda, go for my walk, and make my plans. I think that I have it all together—that is, until someone or something gets in the way of what follows the “my”.
I used to believe that self-control was something I demonstrated to others. I always received an A on my report cards in the area of Behavior and Self-Control. How glad I was to know that the teacher had missed those times— when I chatted during class, when I used a cheat sheet, or when I lied that I knew John Lennon’s cousin! With total satisfaction, I took my “A” in Behavior and Self-Control and thought of myself as being a very good little girl.
You know, Dear Sister, my Christian walk began late in life, but, I thank my God for His perfect timing. I love my Holy God, I love the Holy Bible, and I love His holy people. But what I do not love is the sinner that I was and still am. To think that my good behavior and self-control had been rewarded, I recognize even that as sin. There is no small sin—not for a child, not for a woman, not for the daughter of the Most High God. Sin is sin, the result of not having self-control.
How could there be true self-control, without God controlling the SELF? Whenever I forget that, and I forget it too often, I will answer unkindly, or boil up with impatience, or participate in gossip. You could see me in action anytime someone crosses my plans, or crosses my path, or crosses my pride. There is only one cross that should affect us. It is the Cross of Christ.
Self-control is a wonderful virtue that comes when we believe that all of our sins—past, present and, future sins— are completely forgiven because God has given us the faith to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. His death on the cross was not drama for books and films, but was a real event that had cosmic effect over all time, space and creation. It is a virtue that helps us set limits, restrains our behaviors, and keeps us hopeful. As Peter states so tenderly: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) Although Peter may be speaking here about Christ’s Second Coming, for new believers, or for those you and I meet today who may believe, this is great advice for the changing of lives and for the renewing of minds.
As you and I, Dear Sister, continue in our Christian walk, remember that we want to hate sin and anything out of control that reeks of sin, and that when we do sin, we have Jesus, our Advocate, and God’s Throne of Mercy and Grace. We need to remember that our Christian walk is paved with virtuous struggles, preserving us by God’s Holy Spirit. Again, I refer to Peter, whose lack of self-control mirrored our impetuosity, our impertinence, and our impropriety. He indicates here how each virtue moves toward self-control, and, then, builds upon self-control.
From 2 Peter 1: 6-8, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Notice, Dear One, self-control is right in the middle!
Let us look, again, at the exquisite leafy panorama in orange, yellow, red and gold, and remember that the same God Who controls these dying leaves, are controlling us and preserving us for a magnificent eternal life with Him.
Enjoy His gift of autumn!
Mimi
Thank you Mimi. Today I was thinking of the dead leaves. How that last one hangs on. I am that leaf, knowing the direction i must go, yet holding on. But, my creator knows the perfect timing for me to head in that direction, He alone will send the wind strong enough that will cause me to let go and land where He designs. I have been blessed by your insights, thank you for sharing them. Maureen