A Sound Mind

     I was a bassoon player when I was younger which is a double reed instrument which means that there are two reeds vibrating at the same time, both a top and bottom reed of the single piece of cane.  The family of double reeds are mostly oboes and bassoons.  While playing the contra bassoon, which is twice as big and twice as low, the notes began to vibrate my eyes in such a manner that I could not see clearly.  While playing the regular bassoon in a contest, a young girl came up to me afterwards and asked, "Is it true that all bassoon players go crazy?"  I was not quick enough to come up with a smart answer but simply said, "I didn't think so."  My professor in college, however, did some things that were indicative of not having all of his marbles.  Second Timothy 1:7-9 says, " For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"   
      The "sound mind' in verse 7 is a word that is sometimes translated as "self control."   Perhaps people that do not have a sound mind are lacking in the area of self control.   In today's society, it does seem that there are many who have a difficulty with the area of self control.  We have examples of road rage, violence in the streets and everywhere else where people come together for some type of interaction.  The question might come to us, "How do we respond in times of stress with other people?"  We sometimes hear of a person "pushing another persons button."  This means that we have found out how to really irritate them and we just keep on doing it until they lash out towards the irritation.  It shows a lack of self control.  Galatians 5:22-23 give us a list of things that comprise the fruit of the Spirit.  Notice that one part is mentioned in verse 23 is that of self control.  As we continue our spiritual growth from day to day, this area should be getting a tad better.  It won't become perfect all at once, but is a daily issue for growth.  When that happens, God puts certain things into our lives that are going to give us opportunities to practice our self control.  You will see it when people stand in front of you and try to find your "button" that they can push to make you irritated.  Perfecting self control is no easier than acquiring patience.  Make sure you are spending time in God's Word and communicating with Him in prayer.  Praise God that He has given us the fruit of the Spirit.