Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say… is nothing at all. But silence requires something rare: self-restraint. Self-control. The “sons of thunder” learned that lesson the hard way. In a moment that probably felt bold and justified, they made it about themselves—only to discover that following Jesus means something radically different. “It is not about you.” That’s a hard truth for a two-year-old. It’s just as hard for us. When Jesus said, “Not so with you… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” He drew a clear line in the sand. Among you it will be different. But is it? Is it different in your marriage? At your workplace? In your leadership? Self-control and submission walk hand in hand. And servant leadership only works when it flows from a surrendered heart. Even if you are the leader—especially if you are the leader.

Living on Purpose

Practice Self-Control

1 Corinthians 13:5; Mark 10:35-45

"Make every effort to add to your faith...self-control..." 2 Peter 1:5-7

"[Love] does not demand its own way."

Five practices to cultivate self-control:

#1 Practice spotting the "My Way" attitude in me.

The diagnostic question: Is "ME" in the middle of it?

#2 Practice protecting margin  so your tank’s not empty.

Ecclesiastes 4:6, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”

#3 Practice taming your tongue now.

Proverbs 10:19, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

See James 3:5-6, Ephesians 4:29, Psalm 141:3, Psalm 39:1

#4 Practice serving; choose your towel.

 “But among you it will be different.”

 “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”

#5 Practice trusting the Promise to come.

The lesson is: People wait when they trust the promise.

My self-control becomes possible when I really trust God’s way is better than my way.