Peter The Great

Peter The Great

Today in 1682 was the coronation of Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia. At 6’ 8” he stood head and shoulders above his sickly brother Ivan who initially shared the throne after the murders of several relatives until he died in 1696. Despite his size he had disfigurements and is believed to have suffered from petit mal, a form of epilepsy. In spite of his challenges Peter implemented sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing Russia. Western European advisors influenced him to reorganize the Russian army and improve his nation’s position as a maritime power. He tried to gain allies against the Ottoman Empire, but had to focus on his own nation. He faced strong opposition to these policies but brutally suppressed all rebellions against his authority. He even implemented social modernization by requiring courtiers, state officials, and the military to shave their beards and adopt modern clothing styles.

What I remember Peter for, more than his conquests and reforms, is a statement he made that I simply cannot forget. It sums up what most of us face in life, but which few of us will admit. “I have conquered an empire, but I have not been able to conquer myself.” Each of you has had your conquests in life, some of you more than others. However, overcoming the reality of who we are and our sinful nature is a hard pill to swallow. Pride is always there to try to pull us off track. If it does, then normally God will respond with something encouraging the development of humility so we can get back on track.

As I have said to you in previous writings, the body never is saved and consequently must be brought into submission by the mind under the direction of our friend the Holy Spirit. If it gets too far out of control, you will end up like David did – paying heavily with the consequences, despite being forgiven. We know from Psalm 32:1 – 5 that David was forgiven because of this prayer. However, David lost something very precious when he succumbed to his passion for Bathsheba and had Uriah killed. It is my opinion that in addition to being a warrior, (1 Chronicles 22:7 – 9) the last straw, costing him the right to build the Temple, was his decision to have Uriah murdered.

Passion is a close relative to greed and pride – left unchecked can wreck your life. Ask yourself these questions. What are the precursors to those emotions? What feelings are prominent? What thoughts do you think before passion, greed or pride is full blown? That should be your focus. Catch them early and pray for the Holy Spirit’s help. He is the only one who can help you shut them down before the consequences arrive. Take a few minutes. Think about where the feelings start. It’s the easiest way for you have for eternal success and for you to grow spiritual fruit (Galatians 5: 19 – 22). Otherwise you will have to learn with consequences – God’s and life’s way of spanking you!

Love Dad

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