Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SELF-CONTROL (12/09/21)
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TITLE: Be Holy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Fahy
12/16/21 -
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“Well dad, all those hours I practiced paid off.” Some of Mike’s teammates slapped him on the back as they raced off to get to their parents car. Tim, the team’s catcher, ran by and said they were going to grab some ice cream at the Carvel.
“Can you drop me off dad?”
“Sure why not.”
The family retired for the night and I decided to sit quietly in the living room before I turned in. My thoughts drifted to how many times Mike got frustrated when he didn’t make that perfect throw when we practiced. I would remind him to stay in control, focus and remember his technique. He kept at it and improved over the course of the season. Tonight, he throw that ball without even thinking. He just did it.
It reminded me of growing in my faith in Jesus. I would get frustrated when I felt I was stagnant or I would commit the same sin repeatedly. It was difficult for me to stay focus on Jesus with so much going on in my life. I learned I had to stay in control of my thoughts. I needed this self-control to fight off any of Satan’s temptations. Falling for his lies would stunt my growth in my transformation. I also needed strength to obey the Lord‘s commands.
We may look good on the outside but God looks at our hearts. That’s where it begins in the heart. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:23KJV, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. What are we putting in our hearts? Thoughts that uplift us and glorify God or thoughts that drag us or others down? There are times I feel like Peter walking on water focused on Jesus and doing fine by surrendering all to Him. Then I look at the storm and fear enters my heart. I begin to sink but Jesus saves me again when I cry out to Him.
We have the unlimited power of God’s spirit residing in us. Are we going to use the power that raised Jesus from the dead or are we going to use our human power? Relying on our power shows a lack of trust in God, and fear. God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power. Since we are in a spiritual battle only spiritual power will get us through these battles. Surrender the battle to God and trust Him.
Mike learned to control his mind and body to be relaxed and alert for anything that might happen. That is what I had to do. Control what I watched on TV, turn from jokes and language that was inappropriate. Psalm 119:18NIV became my mantra, Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from your law. I searched for the beauty God placed before me. There were times I failed but kept trying. What I learned was the world was more fallen than I thought. As Mike stayed focused on his baseball, his throwing technique was becoming smoother and on target. I stayed focused on God. My technique for growing like Jesus was prayer, meditation, and living God’s word.
We are a new creation and must be alert of what we say and do. Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:15,16 NIV But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do: for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” The Lord wants us to be holy. He has plans for us that only we can fulfill. To be holy, we must be in control of our emotions and follow the example Jesus showed on how to live.
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What a profound gospel! And a graphic analogy. Thank you, too, for the good flowing content, diction and unique style to emulate.
Have a blessed Christmas.