Self-Control: A Christ-like Quality Church Leaders Need
Sometimes we may get criticized for doing the right thing. People may betray us without cause. How easy it would be to lash back and justify ourselves at any cost simply to prove ourselves. Whether right or wrong, we need to maintain humility and take the high road. For that, we need to exercise self-control.
Take Note of When and How Jesus Exercised Self-Control
In times of temptation, Jesus exercised self-control.
Jesus, though fully God, was also fully human. He would therefore have been susceptible to the same temptations we face as leaders.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. (Heb. 4:15)
As demonstrated in the account in Matthew 4, Jesus didn't yield to the devil's attempts. He stood firm, using the Word as His tool.
When threatened, Jesus exercised self-control.
Jesus could have retaliated or sought revenge when unjustly charged and condemned. Yet, when one of the disciples tried to do so, He said to him, "Put your sword back in its place for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matt. 26:52-54) He saw the bigger picture and yielded to it rather than fight for His rights.
Tools to Help Us Develop and Maintain This Christ-like Quality
To start, we need to know in what situations we should exercise self-control. God uses His Word to train us to "distinguish good from evil" (Heb. 5:14) so we know when "no" is necessary. Remember, Jesus quoted Scripture when faced with temptation.
Even then, we don't have to muster up this self-control on our own "for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (the same Greek word used for self-control)" (2 Tim. 1:7). It's a strength built within us by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).God gives us the grace we need. -- "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age ..." (Titus 2:11-12)
Help Others Develop Self-Control
The Apostle Paul exhorted Titus to "teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). One of the qualities to be taught to both the young and old was self-control. Different statuses of life, as described in Titus 2:2-10, would call for this quality in different ways. In teaching self-control, then, we need to address people's specific needs at their particular stage.
As leaders, we can set an example for others, as suggested in Titus 2:7-8. One of the ways to do that is by pulling on the tools God gives as mentioned above, as well as teaching about the role of the Spirit, God's Word, and His grace. In hard situations, demonstrating self-control will speak louder than our words.Share This with Others:
For More Christ-like Traits Leaders Need, Go To: Church Leader Qualities
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