Self discipline. Procrastination. Will. Fear. Commitment.
What do they have in common? Me. You. Our constant companions weaving
in a convoluted tension; an elaborate dance often ending no further
than where it began.
Nike
said “Just do it!” Arnold said “Do it! Do it now! What are you waiting
for?” What are we waiting for? Does it work to change nothing and wait
for a new result?
William Law said “If you… stop and ask yourself why you are not as
pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you
that it is neither through ignorance nor inability, but purely because
you never thoroughly intended it."
Does that sound familiar? Does it remind you of anyone you know? Oneself?
A wise little man spoke of “doing and do notting” and said that’s what it all came down to.
Is intent without action worth anything?
Which is the greater failure? To try and “fail” or to never try at all?
Despite my relative young age in comparison with Yoda, my experiences
and struggles have taught me that trying is doing. Trying is a success.
To not try is the failure.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)
Why do we procrastinate? Why do we self sabotage? What do we fear? God
has offered abundant life, and living water. He has invited us to
follow Him. Will we? Are we? Darest we?
May you be still and safe in the arms that created the universe and
cradle you; the arms that will never abandon you nor forsake you. Ask
God what He’d like you to know. Is there a decision that you need to
make or acknowledge? For as you know who you are, you’ll discover what
you are to do. So if you know who you are then what are you to do? Not
of your own will but with Him. Each day, each choice; another
opportunity to step out and follow Him.
Take a step out and live.
Before you seek to change the world, you must seek to allow your own
change, and in allowing it you will come to the discovery that the
world too, has changed.
Look deep in the still reflective pool that is your self. Acknowledge
God in that place. Dare you? What needs to change? What do you need to
do? Commit to? Think on it. Write it down. Share it with a couple
brothers or sisters. And commit to it.
For we were not given a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
God goes with you, go well.