[Manna - December 6]
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28
THE battle with self is the greatest battle, and we
have the Lord's word for it that he that "ruleth his
spirit (his own mind, will) is better than he that
taketh a city," because he has to that extent learned
to exercise the combativeness of a true character in
the right direction, in self-control.
It is after we have
had considerable experience in battling with sin and
selfishness in ourselves, in casting the beam out of our
own eyes, in subduing anger, malice, hatred and strife
in our own hearts and flesh—it is then, and by means
of this severe battle and experience, that we will be
prepared to assist the brethren, and to assist our
neighbors in their difficulties—to help them to overcome
their besetments and weaknesses. Z. '01-295 R2878:1