The Greatest Conqueror

The mightiest conqueror in the world is the man able to master himself. There have been men able to control armies and rule nations who fell, miserably defeated by some passion, appetite, or habit that ruled their spirits. Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Lord Byron, Adolf Hitler, and thousands of others were men of genius who failed because they could not control themselves. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (v. 32 KJV).

The primary secret of noble manhood or glorious womanhood is to enthrone within our hearts a ruler stronger than all the outside forces brought against us. This means, first, that the living Christ must be enthroned within. Second, if we are to conquer we must deny that which the lower nature desires. A man is judged best by what he is willing to do without. True self-mastery means crucifying anything that stands between us and our highest usefulness to the world. Things which may not be bad in themselves may become bad if they stand in the way of that which is better. The good can often be the foe of the best. Third, to master self, use the resources of God. Prayer, the Word of God, worship – all these strengthen the soul. – Rev. John M. Hains (10-20-67)