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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SELF-CONTROL (12/09/21)
Had I allowed my gifts to slide into first place in my life? Was I taking ownership of my gifts, forgetting that they came from my heavenly Father, not from myself? Did I depend on the excellent exercise of my skills to promote me and provide for me? Was I striving for the approval of people rather than God?

As the Holy Spirit shined His light deep into my heart, I realized that I had been striving in my flesh to be a success rather than trusting Him to lead the way. Indeed, I gave Him lip service but looking closer, I wanted Him to bless my plans, not the other way around. I had attempted to set my course, and I was taking pride in my accomplishments. Need I say that it did not work? That course of action took me further from Him and led to much strife as I allowed my gifts to become an idol in my heart.

It is true that my gifts and talents are from Him, and I work hard to improve them. Now that is necessary to do in the natural, but there is a fine line that I must not allow their position in my heart to cross. Unfortunately, my natural tendency is to idolize those gifts, though I will tell you that I do not ever wish to do so. Honestly, it is our human tendency that must be brought out and yielded to the obedience of Christ.

Look at what the Lord says in Isaiah 48:17:

“Thus says the LORD,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.”

He pointed me towards this text as well: Psalm 32:8:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye on you.”

Crystal clear, right? He desires that I seek Him and get to know Him intimately, and He will take care of my needs. He will teach me to profit, instruct me, and lead me where He wants me to go.

I needed His correction. I did not realize it until He pointed it out to me. Because He loves me, He stopped me from following a course that would prove harmful to me.
Although the disciplinary process is not a fun thing, it is necessary for our growth. When the Lord chastises us, it is a reason to rejoice because it proves that we are His children.

Hebrews 12:8 says it:

“If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”

I am not illegitimate! I received His discipline; I am His beloved daughter, and I want to be more like Him. Have you experienced His hand of correction?

He shows us what’s in our hearts that even we could not discover, and He lays it bare before us. No amount of human self-discipline or self-control would be sufficient to do the work in the us that He desires. What if we would balk and determine to allow our gifts to become idols in our hearts? He would let us flounder in that state for a while until we realized we were headed the wrong way. If we kept it up, He would bring more substantial correction. The burden is on us to repent of acting in pride and going our own way. Is that not what sin is? When we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of self-control will cause us to turn back to Him with all of our hearts!

Our gifts and talents are from Him and for Him alone. They are merely tools that He has given us to bring others into His presence. In no way are they to be worshipped. We have just crossed that fine line when we seek to have people exalt us because of our gifts.

Knowing that He loves me and will take care of me has removed a weight from my shoulders, so I share the conclusion with you:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.” (Matthew 6:33)


(All scriptures are from the MEV.)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Sue Botte 
12/16/21
A great Bible study piece and well written.

Keep writing.
Art Fahy 
12/17/21
I agree with the previous comment. This would make a good bible study piece. For me the first paragraph, had to many questions. I believe if you had worked them in throughout the entire piece would have been a better approach. Thank you and keep writing.
Evelyn Sprouse Rowe
12/17/21
Priorities of God and His kingdom in our lives is so fundamental. And the tendency to give in to temptation and make our gifts into idols, can truely be a subtle sin. You have shown us this through good scriptural and personal support. Great way to effectively teach through example! Good flow. Logically presented. Leaving us with a thankfulness for correction is great!
Philippa Geaney
12/19/21
I loved this piece.
I so agree that self interest and congratulations can easily be at an any intersection on our journey, We are having so much reward and delight in the gift. I think He loves our delight but I agree our ‘first’ must undoubtedly be in Him, of Him and for Him.
Again, I loved it.
The intro. may have been a little didactic - but only a touch :).