An important part of leadership is being able to control oneself.
Following is the story of Sampson, who might have been a great leader
if he had exercised better control of himself. In today’s society, this
especially applies when an individual is vested with political power. The
temptation to abuse it is great.
As Edmund Burke said,
“Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Internal
Government
Society cannot exist unless a controlling power upon will and appetite be placed somewhere, and the less of it there is within, the more there must be without. It is ordained in the eternal constitution of things, that men of intemperate minds cannot be free.~Edmund Burke
Samson
was raised from infancy, prepared by diligent parents to fulfill a mission of
liberating Israel from the Philistines. Instead, he is known in scriptural
record as the epic hero who never was. On the surface, the Biblical account of
Samson looks rather amusing. That Samson’s remarkable physical prowess was
connected to the length of his hair reads almost like one of Grimms’ fairy
tales. The fact is, the length of Samson’s hair was only one outward
manifestation of the Nazarite vows he had taken. The immense strength was a
spiritual gift, contingent on his faithfulness to the Nazarite discipline.
Samson failed to develop the necessary self-discipline
to merit the spiritual gifts he had been blessed with. As he became boastful,
and trusted in his own strength rather than giving glory to God, Samson one by
one broke all his vows. He indulged his selfish passions and appetites,
including marrying out of the covenant with an immoral Philistine woman. He did
not think anything through; his behavior was driven by his feelings.
When he trivialized the source of his strength by
playing games with the Philistine Delilah, this represented the final breakdown
of his discipleship to God.
She pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death. (Judges 16:16)
At some point, most of us can probably relate to having
experienced this kind of pressure from someone else. Samson’s failure came
first from dallying so much with sin and temptation. He constantly surrounded
himself with it. Is it any wonder that he finally broke when he was pestered
long enough?
Samson’s lack of internal government caused his
personal downfall and deprived his nation of liberating leadership.
One may also be pressured when trying to do
something right. Even then, it is easy to react in anger, fear, or foolishness.
The “wise man who builds his house upon a rock”
knows that true freedom comes from acting by choice rather than being acted
upon.
“Discipline” is defined as “training that corrects,
molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” Simple,
brute-strength “will power” is not mentioned. Because the natural man rarely
has sufficient “will power,” the “wise man” trains, molds, and corrects himself
on a daily basis. It is a building process— on rock. No shortcuts.
The wise man looks ahead, constructing his house to
stand independently of forces that tear down and undo his work. Day by day, a
step at a time, he schools his feelings, delays gratification, and subordinates
foolish impulses to the larger character he is capable of. The less he indulges
himself, the more substance he has, and the less room in his life for that
which would cause irreparable downfall.
The builder’s to-do list might include practicing
courteous actions rather than angry reactions. Discussing and using peaceful
resolutions to conflict and misunderstanding. Using moderation in appetites and
showing appreciation for the gifts and services of others. Teaching wisdom and
order. All these seemingly small things make up the firm inner structure that
can withstand incessant adverse elements and bring enduring peace of mind.
Copyright 210 (c) by Christine A. Davidson
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