Epictetus was a slave, born in AD 55 as a slave. He was apparently lame from birth but eventually did earn his freedom and became a teacher of philosophy. Is wise advice is useful especially today:
“If you understand this you will know peace. Some things are within the power of your control and some things are not.”
There is little peace in our world today. We worry about so much. We stress over things we cannot control. Contrary to television commercials we cannot control aging. We certainly cannot control our spouses. The economy is much larger than anyone person, company or government and our health seems to be controlled largely by genetics. But we still worry and worry.
Jesus asked:
“Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27)
It’s a great question which we would do well to stop and think about. Let our life be an oasis of peace. Trust in the Lord and let him handle the future.
