Threads, chains, and self-control. These are the key words in the article by District Apostle Enrique Minio from South America in which he explores our motto for 2023 and the New Year’s message delivered by the Chief Apostle.
One of the points the Chief Apostle emphasised in his message at the beginning of the year is that we are to reign over our own thoughts and actions, preparing ourselves already today for the task that God has assigned to us in the thousand-year kingdom of peace.
When we succeed in reigning over our thoughts it is also possible to reign over our words and our actions.
I have been taught in the Church that “thoughts are like threads, words are like ropes, and deeds are like chains”. A small thought does not bind us, but when it keeps going round and round in our head, it is as if a thin thread had been wound around our hands over and over. Ultimately, it can immobilise us and it will be difficult to free ourselves from this bondage.
Words come from thoughts. Once we express them we are enslaved to them and are then bound by a rope that is much thicker than a thread. We must be able to decide when to be silent and when to speak, taking responsibility and bearing the consequences of what we say. An old saying goes, “The great and truly wise man never says everything he thinks, but always thinks everything he says.”
If words lead to actions that do not correspond to God’s will, we will be tied to sin as if we were tied to a chain.
Thus, as every word and deed starts in our thoughts the best way to remain in control of our own destiny is to let Christ reign in our hearts.
We have received the gift of the Holy Spirit that enables us to be masters over our own decisions. Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1: 7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Self-control is an important divine gift that protects us from taking a wrong path and making hasty decisions. It is a power that allows us to rule over our own lives. It does not mean that we exercise power over others, but over ourselves, which leads us to serve our neighbour with love.
Let us confidently give room to the gift of the Holy Spirit to unfold! This way, His power, love, and self-control will be able to work within us.
This is the year we learn to “serve and reign with Christ”. Let us seize the opportunity!