Composure

the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself.

Other words:  self-control, self-command, calm, poise, presence of mind

Opposite: Upset, disagreement, instability

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13

Passages of consequence with a lack of self-control:

·        Eve and Adam eat forbidden fruit–disobeys God. (Genesis 3:17-19)
·        Cain kills Abel–does not control his envy and jealousy. (Genesis 4)
·        Esau trades birthright for porridge–does not control his hunger. (Genesis 25:29-34)
·        Lot’s wife turns into pillar of salt–does not control longings. (Genesis 19:15-26)
·        Moses kills an Egyptian–doesn’t exercise forbearance and restraint. Seeks to exact justice that was not his to render. (Exodus 2:14)
·        Peter’s blow to soldier’s ear when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:49-51)

Examples of self-control:

·        Joseph ran from Pharoah’s wife–didn’t succumb to her deception. (Genesis 39)
·        Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations in wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11)
·        Jesus waiting three days, and not going to Lazarus before he died. Emotion did not dictate His actions. (John 11)

Developing Biblical Self-Control (By Rick Warren)

People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)

People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)

People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)

People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)

UNASSUMING (The Power in Humility)

Definition:  modest, lacking in arrogance, pleasant, or polite.

Other words for Unassuming:  Modest, humble, meek, ordinary, down-to-earth

The meaning of humility in the Bible is one of loving others, not being a wimp!

The power in humility in action……….

1)     You can defuse arguments. (Proverbs 15:1)  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2)     You can handle unfair treatment peacefully. (Ephesians 4:31-32)  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
3)     You do not have to put on a "false front".  (Micah 6:8)  He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
4)     You can eat "humble pie" without being crushed. (Proverbs 15:31-33)  If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
5)     You can ask for forgiveness.  (Matthew 5:23-24) Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
6)     You can talk with the right attitude.  (Ephesians 4:29) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
7)     You can speak directly.  (Matthew 21:12)  Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.

Result of Humility:  Strength Under Control

Team of Individuals

High performing teams are made up of great individuals. Those individuals have to do their part to be a great team. So what does it take? How do you prepare to do your part for the team?

Think about teams you've been a part of or have seen that were successful. What characteristics did they have that enabled them to be successful?   Here is a list for a team of officials.....(1) physically fit; (2) solid rules knowledge; (3) mental focus; and (4) unselfishly serve. Although all are important, #4 can be the toughest and the key to success.

Unselfishly serve means you do what it takes for the team to be successful. You may get the glory, or you may be in the background. But, the contributions made by those who unselfishly serve are immeasurable. These individuals celebrate successes, lift those up who need help, and seek help for their own struggles. The great thing about unselfishly serving is we all have the ability to do it.

In Exodus 17: 8-13, two guys unselfishly served which enabled the Israelites to win a battle.......

 

(8) The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.  (9) Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” (10) So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  (11) As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (12) When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. (13) So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Amalekites were a fierce tribe who often killed for pleasure.  The Israelites were viewed as easy pray for the Amalekites.  What helped the Israelites defeat the Amalekites?  A group led by God and were obedient to God and supportive of each other.

Aaron and Hur were Moses’ top leaders, his right-hand men.  When Joshua picked these two men, he picked two of the most important men to do what seemed like a meaningless job.  But, Aaron and Hur enabled Moses to maintain vigil on behalf of the army. Moses stood over the battlefield with his wooden staff in his hand and his command staff at his side. His prayerful presence aided the morale of the troops.

Aaron and Hur were supportive in their roles, even though their roles did not appear to be that significant.  This illustrates in a team, we are called to various services.  For the Israelites, Joshua fought, Moses prayed, and Aaron and Hur obeyed.  Then, by Aaron and Hur stepping up, Moses and Joshua were able to do their jobs.

As an officiating crew, that's who we are--Team of Individuals.  Each one of us has jobs/functions we must do to make our team successful.  Here are some questions to think about:

What must I do to help the team function at the highest level?

What happens to the team when someone doesn't perform at the highest level?
How can we help a crewmate that needs help?
 
"Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success."

Unite as a crew........

This week's devotion has been provided by Jamie Grant who officiates in the Sun Belt Conference.  Thank you Jamie for providing the devotion....

“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.  Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.  I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.  My conscience is clear but that does not make me innocent.  It is the LORD who judges me.

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the LORD comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.  At that time each will receive their praise from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:1-5

College football season has started and now officials will look back to review prior games and look forward to games ahead. How does a crew unite for success?

Paul had all the characteristics of a successful official as he urged the Corinthian church to put aside their differences and become a united crew.  He urged them to:
--Even though you work for the Referee, he is not the owner of the crew.  God is!
--Forget personal feelings and preferences and work together to achieve your goal.
--Remember that success is rarely dependent on a single crew member but on a united effort of the entire crew.  A team spirit is required.
--Don’t criticize or judge your Referee or crewmates.  Instead encourage one another.
--Be faithful.  Be dependable.  Work hard. Show up for every play.
--Don’t jump to conclusions before the season ends.

Prayer:  Father, help us each to be the kind of crewmate we want to partner with this season.  Let us put our ego aside and strive for a quality performance each game.  Bless this time together to form a bond among friends that lasts a life time.  AMEN