What distinguishes good leaders? Personal character, humility, and trustworthiness top my list.
Titus 1:8 has a different leadership list: hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
While each aspect bears studying, let’s focus on self-control. Why would a leader need to be self-controlled?
God certainly can (and does!) use anyone. But are we at our best when we aren’t self-controlled?
Samson (Judges 13-16) was called to be set apart from birth. His mom followed strict instructions. His dad followed the rules. Samson? He followed his emotions. He was a warrior who easily overtook multitudes of men.
But, Proverbs 16:32 praises a patient man over a warrior, one with self-control over one who conquers a city.
Even with evidence to the contrary, Samson repeatedly gave into his desires. His tempered flared. His heart caved. And he lost, badly.
He lost a wife.
He lost his strength.
He lost his eyes.
He eventually lost even his life.
Romans 12:1 reminds us that our lives ought to be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, in a true act of worship. Could Samson have served God more, better or with greater testimony had he practiced self-control?
An even better question: how well do I serve the Lord? Am I practicing self-control? Does God see my actions and thoughts as upright and self-disciplined?
While none of us will ever be those things 100% of the time, with God’s help, we can be those things much more.
Will you join me in praying for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, how humbling to consider my choices will influence how much You can use me. I must not be mastered by anything. Please help me to develop and practice more self-control. I want my life to be a true act of worship, glorifying You. Please help me, In Jesus’s name, Amen.