King Xerxes, a king of kings, had total control over tens of millions of people living in the 127 provinces of his empire, stretching from India to Turkey.  But there was one person over whom he didn’t have complete control – himself.  Xerxes, who wanted to control everything, had no self-control.

As Christians, we know that only God is in control.  When we try to control others we’re destined for failure and the subsequent anger which results from that failure to control.  Think of the areas where you try to exhibit control over other people and areas where you lack self-control; those are the areas of your life in which you need to give up control and invite the Holy Spirit to take over.  We expect children to lack self-control; we shouldn’t expect it – or accept it – from ourselves.