It is an honor to have you as a donor member! Share today. #28 NEHEMIAH | Self-ControlDr. Stephen Phinney: In a world driven by impulse and reaction, the life of Nehemiah stands as a timeless beacon of self-control anchored in divine purpose.
When faced with injustice, opposition, and internal strife, Nehemiah did not lash out—he paused, prayed, and responded with wisdom. CONSULTING WITH MYSELFScripture records that “I consulted with myself” (Nehemiah 5:7), revealing a man who governed his emotions before governing others. His restraint was not weakness—it was strength under submission to God. Nehemiah’s leadership teaches us that self-control is not merely the absence of anger, but the presence of discernment, humility, and Spirit-led conviction. To walk as he did is to lead with clarity in chaos, to build with integrity amid corruption, and to reflect the character of Christ in every decision. MY STORYMy childhood was marked by a paradox—an absence of self-control masked by a relentless drive to control others. I learned early how to manipulate environments, steer conversations, and assert dominance, not out of strength, but out of a deep need to feel secure in a world that often felt unstable. Anger, fear, and pride became tools I wielded to maintain order on my terms. While others saw leadership, what they often missed was the internal chaos—the lack of restraint, the impulsive reactions, and the unspoken desperation to be seen, heard, and obeyed. Control became my currency, and I spent it freely, unaware that it was costing me the very peace I longed for. Yet even in that season, God was planting seeds of conviction. The contrast between external control and internal obedience began to stir within me. I saw the damage done by unchecked emotion and the hollowness of influence rooted in fear. Slowly, the Spirit began to reveal that true leadership isn’t about mastering others—it’s about mastering yourself. The journey from manipulation to maturity was painful, but necessary. And through it, I discovered that self-control is not weakness—it is the strength to choose restraint when reaction feels easier, and to lead with integrity when control tempts compromise. That revelation became the turning point, shaping the leader I am today. My obsession with “Not but Christ” was born from the ashes of my own weakness—a lifetime of striving to control, to lead, to be enough in my own strength. I had mastered the art of influence, but not the discipline of internal obedience. The more I tried to shape the world around me, the more I realized how fractured my inner world had become. It was in that brokenness that the Spirit whispered the truth: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). That revelation didn’t just correct my theology—it redefined my identity. I saw that true leadership, true peace, and true power could only flow from a life crucified with Christ. “Not but Christ” became more than a phrase—it became my lifeline, my compass, and my cry. In every weakness, He proved strong. In every surrender, He proved sufficient. And in every moment of dying to self, I found the resurrection of purpose. GODLY SELF-CONTROLBiblically, self-control is not merely a moral discipline—it is a divine manifestation of Yeshua dwelling within the believer. Galatians 5:22–23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, meaning it is not produced by human effort alone but by the indwelling presence of Christ. When Yeshua lives in us, His nature begins to shape our responses, our desires, and our decisions. Self-control, then, is not the suppression of passion but the sanctification of it. It is the evidence that the Messiah is reigning over the impulses of the flesh and replacing them with the character of heaven. This truth is stated in Titus 2:11–12, which declares that the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. Grace is not passive—it is power in action. It is the active presence of Yeshua enabling us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. The believer who walks in self-control is not simply disciplined; he is Spirit-led. His restraint is not rooted in fear or pride, but in love and reverence for the One who lives within him. As Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” That indwelling life is the source of true mastery over the flesh. Yeshua Himself modeled perfect self-control. In the wilderness, He resisted Satan’s temptations not by sheer willpower, but by wielding the Word of God with precision and trust (Matthew 4:1–11). On the cross, He restrained legions of angels and endured suffering with divine patience. His life was not reactive—it was proactive. When His Spirit fills us, we begin to reflect that same restraint, not as a burden but as a blessing. Self-control becomes a testimony that Christ is alive in us, governing our emotions, guiding our choices, and glorifying the Father through every surrendered moment. Self-control, as a manifestation of Yeshua within, is foundational to biblical servant leadership.A servant leader is not driven by impulse, ego, or the need to dominate, but by the Spirit of Christ who governs the heart with wisdom, restraint, and love. Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly—He led with authority, yet never with arrogance. He rebuked injustice, yet never retaliated in pride. His leadership was marked by self-restraint, even in the face of betrayal, mockery, and suffering. In John 13, He washed the feet of those who would abandon Him, showing that true leadership begins with humility and ends in sacrificial service. Without self-control, leadership becomes manipulation; with it, leadership becomes ministry. Nehemiah exemplified this connection. Though he held a position of influence, he never used it for personal gain. When provoked by enemies or confronted with internal corruption, he responded with prayerful patience and strategic action—not emotional reaction. His ability to govern himself allowed him to govern others with justice and compassion. Biblical servant leadership demands this kind of Spirit-led restraint. It is not passive—it is powerful. It is the ability to lead with clarity in chaos, to speak truth without venom, and to serve without seeking recognition. When self-control flows from the indwelling life of Yeshua, leadership becomes a reflection of heaven—marked by grace, anchored in truth, and driven by love. Here is your challenge—one that cuts through the noise and calls leaders to rise with conviction:If self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, then its absence is not a flaw in personality—it’s a fracture in surrendered obedience. We live in a time when leadership is often loud, reactive, and self-serving. But biblical servant leadership demands something deeper: restraint that flows from reverence, decisions shaped by prayer, and authority anchored in humility. Nehemiah didn’t lead by impulse—he led by intercession. He didn’t build with bravado—he built with brokenness and resolve. So I challenge you: examine your leadership. Are you driven by emotion or led by the Spirit? Do you seek control, or do you model Christ’s compassion? The world has enough influencers—it needs reformers. Leaders who will not bend truth to fit trends, but who will stand firm in righteousness even when it costs them popularity, position, or comfort. Let your leadership be marked by self-control, not self-promotion. Let it reflect the Lion of Judah, who leads not with noise, but with eternal authority. The wall is waiting. The people are watching. And the Spirit is calling. Visit the Nehemiah Series library HERE. We want to extend our eternal gratitude to each of you for taking the time to read our publications and engage with our posts. Your support and interest mean the world to us, and it motivates us to continue creating content that resonates with you. |