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)