The secret of self-control

(The following is a summary of the message preached by Michael Larsen on July 19, 2020.)

Proverbs 25:28 says, "A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls."

The greatest destroyer of relationships is an uncontrolled tongue.

James 3:5-6 "The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do! A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. The tongue can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster."

Proverbs 13:3 "Self control means controlling the tongue!"

There are four keys to managing your mouth:

1. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

Proverbs 16:23 "Intelligent people think before they speak. What they say is then more persuasive."

Proverbs 18:20 "You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say."

You've got to learn to T.H.I.N.K. before you speak. T - Truthful. Is it Truthful? H - Helpful. Is it Helpful? I - Inspirational. Is it Inspirational? N - Necessary. Is it Necessary? K - Kind. Is it Kind?

Proverbs 20:25 "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later consider his vows."

2.  ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH

Proverbs 10:10 “Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble.”

Proverbs 24:26 "An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship."

Proverbs 28:23 "In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery."

3.  SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE

Proverbs 12:18 "Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal."  

Proverbs 12:18 "Some people like to make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise soothe and heal." Think before you speak. Speak the truth, always in love.

Proverbs 15:4 "Gentle words cause life and health." Your words can cause life and your words can cause health. That's the power of gentle words.  

4.  ASK CHRIST FOR HELP EVERYDAY

Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips." God, help me to watch and manage my words and mouth.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:18 "What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart." Words reveal our character and they display the condition of my heart.

James 1:26 "Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn't control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn't worth much."

The only way you can control your tongue is by letting Jesus Christ control your heart in greater and greater degrees on a daily basis. That's how you start over.