August 15: A King Indeed

Frederick the Great of Prussia was walking along a road on the outskirts of Berlin one day when he accidentally brushed against a very old man.  “Who are you?” Frederick asked out of idle curiosity as the two came to a halt.

“I am a king,” the old man answered.

“A king?” echoed Frederick.  “Over what kingdom do you reign?”

“Over myself,” was the proud reply.  “I rule myself because I control myself.  I am my own subject to command.”

All of us can be kings, in the sense of the old man’s words.  But how many of us actually are?  Instead of being in command, we often let ourselves be ruled by the tyrants of temper, laziness, or passion.

We can’t hope to influence others if we are, as the common expression puts it, “not ourselves.”  And we can only be ourselves by controlling ourselves.

Strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  (Matthew 6:33)

Give me the wisdom and spiritual strength to make wise

decisions, Father.