"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
James 1:2-8
We all have lived distinct and unique lives. Born to different mothers and raised in different environments. Despite the differences in upbringing and social settings; there are similarities in struggles, desires, and worldviews that are all encompassing. The link is that despite our gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, we are all wonderfully human and flawed. Some strengths are some people's struggles, and one struggle in particular is a disciplined mind.
The Gospels spends a significant portion of their writings on something that the 21st century church struggles with and it is personal disciplines and self-control. Throughout time, self-control has always clashed with the mindset's of the secular world. Pagan religions revelled in pleasurable acts religiously, and socially. Therefore, self-control has always been at odds with humans tendency to do as they wish and please in the moment. Today's society is no different. As a people that profess Christianity, many times our worldviews can mix between a Christian worldview and the secular worldview that society in which we live teaches. Culture outside of Christiandom and within mix and mingle. This is not a purposeful thing that Christians do. It simply comes down to how our minds process and evaluate data from the culture that we thrive in within and without the church.
This past week, I feel that God has been impressing me to spend time on how lacking self-disciplines are in my life. Many of the books that I read have touched on the topic. In a deeper level it has left an impression on my soul, as to why certain struggles I face keep appearing over and over again. These next couple articles that I will be writing will be touching on the different aspects of self-control that the word of God teaches and asks of Christians. The first article will touch on how imperative self-control is in our personal walk with Christ and how it affects our ability to be ministered to and receive the Holy Spirit's moving in our life. The second article will touch base on how Self-disciplines affects our habits, desires and our ability to withstand the wiles of the devil or temptations (Eph. 6). The third article will be based solely on how important it is for ministers and leaders to be above reproach in their personal and public lives and how personal disciplines affects that lifestyle, and the last article will solely be dedicated to the Battle of the mind. How does discipline of the mind affect every single article listed above?
If you are a brother or sister in Christ that is hurting, dealing with a pain from the past that you can't seem to overcome. If you are a brother or sister in Christ that feels stuck or in a rut, these articles may be for you! Does your mind seem to betray you? Do you constantly doubt and fear your present circumstances and life situations? These things are not the lifestyle of a sound mind. Yet as Christians, God promises that we can have peace, joy and a sound mind. Why do so many Christians not have peace?
As vital as self-control and disciplines are mentioned in the New Testament and taught by the great apostles and Christ himself, our generation is sorely lacking in self control. We don't even know how to begin! It is okay! I am learning right along with you! I believe that the church can do mighty things for the Kingdom, but I don't believe we will be able to until we are able to say no to ourselves and yes to our Savior. I can't wait to begin this adventure and I pray it is a blessing to you as well!
Many Blessings!
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