Be completely humble and gentle;
Summary: To be humble and gentle is asking a lot. Paul is really asking us to step outside of our emotional selves and take control. Fortunately, he also prays that God gives us the power to do just that.
Well, here we go! Paul begins his instruction in living a life worthy of being called a Christian with this instruction: “Be completely humble and gentle.”
Okay …
What does that mean?
Many years ago, I attended a lecture by a Doctor of Psychology who spoke on this subject. He described our relationship with our inner self as a horse and its rider. Like a horse, the inner person can be startled. The reaction can be severe. If a horse is alarmed, it can rear up and attack with its forefeet. The power of such an animal can be overwhelming to those being attacked.
The “rider” of the horse is our conscious mind. We have to decide we want to take control of the horse instead of letting it run wild. If we want to take control, we need to grab the reins and get the horse’s attention.
I remember his illustration because there is a lot of truth in it. How many times does our “inner self” get away with us? Something startles us or upsets us, and instead of turning to God, we allow the wild horse of our emotions to run wild.
The feeling of “running wild” can be exhilarating, but the danger is that a wild horse can hurt itself and others without realizing it until it is too late.
Strong’s Concordance defines the word Paul uses for “humble” as “the having a humble opinion of oneself; a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness; modesty, humility, lowliness of mind.”*
The “horse” inside us does not have a humble opinion of itself. Instead of a deep sense of moral littleness, the horse feels a deep sense of self-importance. It is up to us to grab the reins of our emotional horse and bring it under control. Even though the emotional horse feels important, the rider has to make the horse understand who is in charge. Doing this requires power.
The power needed to control the emotional horse is the same power Paul prays for us to be strengthened with in Ephesians 3:16-19. To be completely humble and gentle means that we control what we say and do.
Application: Be aware that your inner emotional horse can be controlled.
Food for Thought: How should we deal with a brother or sister in Christ who let’s their emotional horse run roughshod over others?
* “G5012 – tapeinophrosynē – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 12 Jun, 2023. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5012/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
I really like the illustration of the horse and rider. I’m going to try and remember that. It reminds me of 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Its amazing to me how God speaks to our hearts. Todays devotion has led me to some answers on some questions I have had, about a relationship I am having.
Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
I have been feeling “bitten” of late by a spiritual sibling, and I realize now how much I have allowed it to “comsume” me. How it is becoming a barrier.
How should we deal with a brother or sister in Christ who let’s their emotional horse run roughshod over others?
Timothy 2:23-26 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
“Knowledge of the truth” and “gently” stand out to me here.
I would have to say one needs to make sure they are recognizing the truth.
Matthew 7:3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
When you understand the truth, and are led by the Spirit, approach your spiritual sibling in gentleness with truth. I’m not so good at that. But I know God wants me to give as I would ask to recieve. Inviting the Spirit into the conversation is a great start. If two spiritual siblings were able to do that together I believe truth and gentlness would be present in the conversation.
Colossians 4:6 “Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith.”
Chris,
Your response to the day’s question is very helpful to me, too. I love the verses you pulled together to illustrate your thinking, and I am glad the horse illustration was helpful.
I think you both are helping me with knowledge wisdom and understanding. Thank you Chris and Jeff. I’m sure Rich and Ron have helped me also.
Thanks Tim!
God gives each of us a lifetime of opportunities to practice using all of that Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding that you are stockpiling! 🙂
Thank you Mr. T, I always appreciate your views!
Ron
I believe Chris has covered this one very well, and have nothing to add. Thank you Chris.
Ron,
That is high praise, indeed!
I agree, Chris’s comments are excellent.
And Jeff, your devotion today reminds me of James 3: 1 – 12. The comparison of the horse that you mention with the rudder of a ship and the bit in a horses mouth from James are similar.
Rich,
I had forgotten about James’ reference to horses. Maybe that is where the guy I listened to got his idea from! 🙂