We all get emotional sometimes and when that happens we often let our emotions get the best of us. We fly off the handle when we’re angry. We snap. We’re cruel. We get short tempered when we’re annoyed. We blamecast when things aren’t going well. We’re quick tongued when someone hurts our feelings. The list could go on and go. Bottom line is especially when we get angry, we rarely stop to think and listen and instead rant and rave. We take our frustrations out on innocent bystanders or beloved family members and friends. It’s not ideal. Then we try to apologize – take back what we’ve said or done – once we’ve calmed down.
Well, Solomon tells us there’s a better way to handle emotionalism and emotional outbursts especial anger. He tells us to be slow in our reactions. He states clearly that we are capable of controlling our spirit. But he also indicates how difficult that is – if you can be slow to anger then you are stronger than the mighty and if you can rule over your spirit you are more capable than someone who lays siege to a city and eventually is able to take it.
What then does “slowing” down do for us in emotionally driven situations? It let’s our brains check back in and gives the logical and rational side of our brain a chance to weigh in – this is the side where you’ve stored all your mom and dad’s life lessons, the things you’ve learned over time by experience, and most importantly all of God’s commandments and teachings. The logical and rational you will help you see beyond the immediate circumstances. It will help you more clearly identify the consequences of what you were about to do or say. It will help you be a more open minded listener with others. It will remind you of right and wrong. It will provide you alternative solutions and pathways to solving your problem.
But you won’t hear that side of you, if you don’t learn to react slow and down control the volume of your spirit aka the emotional part of you.
God expects us to exercise self control every day and most of that self control is rooted in actions first, it’s rooted in thinking, saying, and feeling.
Centuries after Solomon, the Apostle Paul reasoned with an official named Felix. He was teaching him about the Way and Jesus. What were the three core components of his teaching? Righteousness. Self-Control. And, the judgment to come.
Self-control is one of the foundational characteristics followers of Christ must develop – if we do, Solomon says we become stronger than the might and more capable than those who take cities.
Control your spirit because it is controls your actions.
Adonai's Appeal 