Internally or Externally Governed?

One of the hallmarks of the mature Christian life is self-discipline.  We will either be internally governed (controlled) or externally governed, but one way or another we will be controlled in our actions and reactions to the events of life.  There are jails and prisons filled to overflowing with individuals who lack self-discipline and whose choices and actions have necessitated the intervention of external government through the auspices of law enforcement agencies and the court system.  As followers of Christ, we must be concerned with learning how to control ourselves appropriately so that it will not be necessary for someone else to step in and take control of us.

"He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls."  (Proverbs 25:28)

There are a multitude of areas in life where self-control (or the lack of it) can become clearly evident to those around us.  Finances, weight and health issues, anger, time management, stewardship-- all these and more require that we develop a clear understanding of God's will for our lives in these areas and then set forth to live accordingly, making those choices which will honor God and enrich our lives.  In an affluent society (such as the United States), financial control is not a popular goal to seek.  In fact, the abundance of credit cards, payment plans, layaway offers, and "easy" financing options seem to give us the message that being in debt is not only to be viewed as a normal state of affairs, but we are to actually seek after those very things which will hold us in bondage so that we can "keep up with the Joneses" and live the good life now.  God has strong feelings concerning the accumulation of debt, and His Word is filled with over 800 verses that instruct us on the need for self-discipline in our lives where finances are concerned. 

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."  (Proverbs 22:7)

"The wicked borrow and pay not again [for they may be unable], but the [uncompromisingly] righteous deal kindly and give [for they are able]."  (Psalm 37:21)

"It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."  (Ecclesiastes 5:5)

"Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another..."  (Romans 13:8a)

Once we have dug a pit of debt for ourselves, it is difficult and it takes time to work our way out of it.  There is no immediate fix for the problem.  Debt accumulates over time, and it will take time to resolve it in an honorable way.  Too many Christians are buying into the lottery craze with pie-in-the-sky hopes that they will be the one in ten-million who will win and for whom the lottery will be the miracle answer for their lack of self-control with their finances.  There are those who believe that bankruptcy is the way out for them.  The question is, is it the honorable way out?  Satan loves to see believers embroiled in debt and captive to their lenders.  He knows (as we should) that  "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in)."  (Matthew 6:24)  Drowning in debt will affect other areas of our lives in negative, destructive ways.  Relationships will suffer, especially the marriage relationship.  In an article by Ron Leiber of the New York Times in 2009, the odds of a marriage ending in divorce due to finances is approximately 45 percent.  Numerous health problems are directly related to the stress of financial debt in a person's life.  When debt looms over the household, the first thing to be forgotten (in the vast majority of cases) is the issue of the tithe.  No wonder the devil works so hard to undermine our self-discipline in this area of finances.

There is an answer:  Do it God's way.  Sit down (with your spouse at your side, if you have one) and begin to research the steps a Christian should take to resolve the issue of debt in his or her life.  Dave Ramsey offers a multitude of sources that will serve as a guideline to the believer of not only how to get out of debt, but how to stay out of it and begin to handle finances in a way which will glorify the Lord and make the Christian a shining example of faith, obedience, and self-discipline.  His programs have been tested and proven by multitudes of believers and non-believers alike.  The first step is to admit that you have fallen short in the area of self-discipline where your finances are concerned.  Turn to the Lord in confession and seeking His forgiveness, then ask for His supernatural empowerment to do whatever is necessary to honorably resolve your debt issues.  We are fortunate that the United States no longer operates "debtors' prisons" as such (prevalent up until the mid-1800's),  but those who are laboring under an enormous burden of debt live in their own private prison of guilt, fear, anger, confusion, and hopelessness.  Such a life is not aligned with God's will for the believer.  Jesus said, "The thief (Satan, our enemy) comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."  (John 10:10)  Understand that Christ was not saying that every Christian will be wealthy.  The accumulation of money and possessions does not guarantee an abundant life.  In truth, great wealth has often been the source of tremendous sadness and discontent in the lives of those who possess it.  However, the accumulation of debt most certainly guarantees a life of misery, anxiety, and limited possibilities.

So, self-discipline in the area of finances is a definite commandment of God.  Make no mistake, either we will develop self-control with our money or we will live under the control of others to whom we owe it.  I urge you today to turn to God for His forgiveness and divine guidance in mastering the art of financial self-discipline in your life.  It is possible to live debt free in a culture consumed with greed and the love of possessions, money, and power.  Remember that as Christians we are are given this direction in God's Word:  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  (Romans12:2)  

In coming posts I will explore the area of self-discipline as it relates to some of the other issues in life.  Let me encourage you with this:  It is not necessary, nor is it expected, that you tackle every area of your life where you lack self-control all at once.  In truth, you need to pray for direction in which area you should begin the pursuit of excellence and self-discipline, apply the truth of Scripture to that area, and master the art of self-discipline therein.  When you have experienced victory in one area, you will be energized and renewed to take on the next challenge.  In time, you will know the freedom and joy that comes from living the disciplined Christian life.

"For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness-- in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]."

(Hebrews 12:11, Amplified Bible)

Lessons From the Olympians

I'm learning a lot by watching the Olympics... and it has nothing to do with the difference between a triple lutz and a triple toe loop.  (Although my ever-amazing son actually did designate the distinction between them for me.)  No, it has to do with life lessons.  Lessons like perseverance, dedication, friendship, loyalty, courage, self-discipline, and more.  The athletes who compete at Olympic levels are astounding human beings.  They have spent countless hours, days, weeks, months, and even years perfecting the skills they need to make their dream a reality.  But they haven't done it alone.  They have had the support of their parents and siblings, skilled and knowledgeable coaches, and other athletes who can identify with the struggles and demands of their sports.  Watching the Olympic competition continually reminds me of the demanding race we run every day of our lives if we are to excel in the faith and abound in the love of Christ Jesus.

Perseverance:  Without this tenacious spirit that compels us forward in even the most difficult of situations, we will quickly abandon the faith and revert back into our worldly ways of trying to handle life's demands.  Perseverance is that steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.  For many of the Olympic athletes, this is not their first try for a medal.  For some, it is not even their second try.  One  figure skater has seen four consecutive  Olympic competitions and is even now beginning to realize some of his greatest dreams.  Despite his age (a ripe old age of 31 years) and the fact that he has undergone multiple back surgeries resulting in the placement of artificial discs into his spine-- not to mention that he lives with a daily level of pain that would probably dissuade most of us from doing anything-- this dedicated athlete has astounded the crowds and set the bar high for all who follow him.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."  (James 1:12)

Dedication:  I have seen reports that attest to the fact most of these Olympians hold jobs and lead regular lives apart from their sport.  Many are parents of young children.  For some, the days just do not seem long enough, so they spend hours perfecting their craft at night.  Some of the skiers and jumpers even wear headlights on their helmet so they can propel themselves down a mountainside in the darkness.  It seems people will always find time for those things they truly value!  It's not how many hours we have in a day... it's how we choose to use them that determines our level of dedication to a task.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"  (Colossians 3:17) 

Friendship:  Many (if not most) of the athletes competing have met one another on various stages in earlier competitions around the globe.  The mere fact that they are competing for recognition in a specific area of athletic endeavor has not prevented them from forming strong friendships with one another.  I've seen those relationships reflected in the faces of athletes who grimace when another competitor stumbles or has a disastrous fall.  I've watched the joy and hugs shared with a competitor who has just defied all the odds to emerge as a "dark horse" and claim an Olympic medal.  Competition has not overshadowed the bonds of friendship, and brotherhoods of encouragement and consolation have risen above all.

 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."  

(John 15:12-15)

Loyalty:  Each of the athletes is competing as a representative of a country.  Some live and train in that country, while others undergo their rigorous training in another part of the world so that they might have the advantage of learning under the tutoring and instruction of a desired coach.  Regardless, when they mount that podium to receive their award, each and every athlete looks to the flag of the nation they represent, and their loyalty and pride shines forth.  Their fame has not taken them so far that they do not remember from where they came.

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart."

(Proverbs 3:3)

Courage:  As I watch some of the skiers hurling their bodies down a mountainside at 80 miles per hour with nothing but a helmet to protect their heads, I am convinced there must be that moment of fear that comes just before they exit the gate at the top.  How could anyone look down a mountain at a treacherous course of twist, turns, and jumps and not be afraid?  Some may be remembering falls they've taken in the past or tragedies they have witnessed involving others.  Nevertheless, there they are-- poised and ready to face the mountain one more time.  They possess the ability to face danger with resolution and confidence in the skills they have so tediously honed and perfected.

 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”  

(Psalm 31:24)

Self-Discipline:  These athletes are not controlled by their emotions or feelings.  They have learned to control their feelings and overcome their weaknesses.  They pursue the goal they have set for themselves despite countless temptations to abandon it.  They have learned to regulate themselves for the purpose of improvement in their chosen endeavor.  Through systematic instruction and repetitious practice, they have finely tuned their skills and are ready to claim their victories.  It doesn't take a whip, a chair, and a lion tamer to force them forward... they are driven by a deep seeded desire to excel in what they do.

 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

I could devote several more paragraphs to drawing the parallels between these Olympic athletes and those who have chosen to run the Christian race, but I really don't think that's necessary.  I trust the Holy Spirit will speak to each heart reading this blog and will reveal a truth far beyond my ability to state.  As we face the challenges and fears of life, may we all learn some valuable lessons from watching the Olympics... and may we all become champions of the faith, receiving our medals in eternity-- medals that will never rust.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

(I Corinthians 9:24-27)