Rule

(Pro 16:32 KJV)  He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

This verse spoke to me today as I read it.  What riveted my attention was the phrase “rules (4910) his spirit (7307).”  The Holy Spirit used it to make me think. 

Like many people, I can be a creature of my moods.  It is so comfortable to surrender to whatever is rocking my boat at the moment.  I can always hide behind the profession that I can’t help myself.  Although there may be an occasional, short term truth to that it is not as frequent as I would like to believe.  God does not want me to be a toy of my feelings.  He wants me to be an obedient disciple. 

I need to rule my spirit.  I can do this with God’s help.  For Him to force the issue is a violation of the principle of a Holy God in relationship with a creature created in His image.  Force does not produce love.  Love produces obedience.

So?  Who rules your spirit?  That is more important than any battles you may need to fight today.