Jan
16
2008
16
2008
Mastering Passions
Filed under: Self-Discipline, Following Jesus
It’s a NEW YEAR! A fresh slate. A blank canvas. I love the coming of a new year…there is so much hope and excitement. And as we all know, a perfect time for setting goals. This year, I would like to:
- Draw closer to Jesus by spending time in intimate conversation with him DAILY.
- I want to depend on Him to be my lifeline throughout the day…which means I need to pray a lot! Nothing is too small or too trivial for Him to be involved. His throne room is open to me 24/7. My desire is to meet with Him in the early morning hours, and I’ve committed to not getting on my computer or reading anything else until I have done that.
- Read through the Bible in one year.
- I really love The One Year Bible…and have succeeded in reading every day so far. I love that there is a reading for each day, and I truly feel that the passage I read that day is specifically for me on THAT DAY. The format of the OYB (Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs) is really nice. It’s also available online.
- Walk/run at least 30 minutes a day and to spend time outside daily.
- There are so many benefits to working out every day, but it’s been at least 4 years since I did it regularly (before Bella). I’m 31 years old, and I’m starting to feel like it. I’m determined to get back in shape! I’m 3 days in…and I feel goooooood. Sore, but good.
If I am to succeed at these things, it will take a mindful effort and prayer. Not just “hoping” that I can follow through. I love how the Forerunner Commentary describes “self-mastery”:
Self-mastery is self-government, or self-control, the foundation of a strong godly life, growth, and producing fruit. If a person cannot govern himself, if he cannot master his passions, he will certainly not have a good relationship with his fellowman or God. His life will likely be marked by major excesses.
A person who has self-mastery is even-handed, and his passions are under control. He makes proper use of his drives and desires, and his manner of life is not one of extremes. A person reflecting this quality will be making steady progress in growing into the perfectly balanced character of Jesus Christ.
If I cannot “master” a certain area of my life, it will lead to excess in that area. Concerning my goals, if I do not spend time with God daily, my relationship with my family and friends suffer. My not-so-lovely traits slowly start to surface…and I am overcome with an “excess of self”. If I do not read and meditate on His word daily, my heart and mind become stagnant and indifferent. I start to display an excess of sarcasm, impatience, and worry. If I do not exercise, my BODY will be in excess of pounds and stress.
On the other hand, if I CAN master my “self” and follow through with these goals…it says I will have the “foundation for a strong godly life, growth, and produce fruit”. Yes!! Show me the FRUIT! 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galations 5:22-23
I love how The Message has interpreted this verse:
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galations 5:22-23 (The Message)
Who wouldn’t want those things!? It’s amazing to me that God wants to give those things to us…all we need to do is ASK and follow hard after Him. On a side note, if you’re looking for an amazing Bible study on the fruit of the spirit, check out Beth Moore’s “Living Beyond Yourself“. It’s available online…complete with videos.
When you are passionate about something, it doesn’t have to automatically be a bad thing. However, there is a stronger possibility that your passions could become a problem in your life. For example…the Internet is a wonderful resource and networking tool…however, it’s so easy to get sucked into hours and hours of endless clicking. All of this clicking creates discontentment with our current life and slowly lures us away from our families and responsibilities. At that point, it becomes a “major excess” that needs to be mastered.
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
I love this passage in Timothy…because it reminds me that although I want to get my body healthy this year, my spiritual health is infinitely more important. Not that eating healthy and maintaining an exercise regimen isn’t a good thing…it’s just not of eternal importance. I want to spend twice as much time exercising my mind in my relationship with Christ than I spend exercising my body.
I think it’s also a good idea to PRACTICE denying yourself of indulgences…to become better at mastering the “self”. Yes, you COULD have dessert after your meal…but why not consciously decide not to, and focus on thoughts of self-discipline instead? Yes, you COULD spend your money on a new X, Y, or Z…but why not fast from spending if for nothing else but to make your mind sharper…becoming the master of your passions.
Our culture screams the opposite of this to us every day. Buy now! You deserve it! Bigger and better! More, more, more! EXCESS is our country’s middle name. Walk the opposite direction of the world and focus on what Jesus said about these things:
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ” Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:21
“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. ” Matthew 5:29, 30“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Off we go…a new year, renewed passions, and a self to be mastered. Weeeeee!
Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons/monkeyc.net
Posted by Sara @ 4:31 pm | Leave a Comment
16
2008
These are great goals for the new year! I want to try to get the kids outside everyday too. We’re always cooped up in the house. Oh, and I’m getting my dreads this weekend!!! I posted about it!
16
2008
Good word…..
16
2008
That’s some good stuff. You’ve always got me thinking.
Run girl, run! YAY!
16
2008
Sara,
Just a caution. I liked most of what you said here. Remember, it is by the Holy Spirit, received through faith, that we can do this self-mastery thing; never on our own (this is Paul’s whole point in Romans 1-8). This idea of self-mastery goes way back to Greek philosophers–they were obsessed with mastering the passions–they sought moral perfection. For Paul, faith in Jesus Christ and the reception of the Spirit was the answer to the Greeks’ concern. But, for Paul it was far more complex than simply mastering the passions; it was imitating Jesus as the one who gave himself for the sake of others (1 Cor 8-10).
Anyway, I noticed that you cited the Forerunner Commentary. If you have not done so, you might want to take a look at the sect that is behind this commentary. If you are aware…then I guess I am not sure what to say.
On certain matters they present no problem; on other matters there are significant problems, in terms of imposing their perspectives on the Bible and simply misunderstanding scripture (e.g. the little essay “Dead to the Law?” completely misreads Paul; they deny the Trinity, a denial which requires more explaining than they give; a general misunderstanding of the meaning of “gospel”; I could go on).
Just a kind word of caution from an old friend.
17
2008
I’m sorry Sara, but you *really* need to stop reading my prayer journal and posting about it.
Timely words. Thank you.
17
2008
Thank you for the personal post, this one is true to how I am feeling and “searching” for. I have been wanting to make my own personal relationship with GOD a first priority…thank you for the link to LIVING BEYOND YOURSELF. This spiritual journey is all new to me, especially the depth that I am wanting/needing to go, and I am not one that likes to be pushed…so thank you for your guidance!
17
2008
I too have decided to make the new year a new start. Especially when it comes to my relationship with God. I would really like to become closer to him and make him my first priority. I have really been trying to pray more and get into the word more. And I have to say that I love Beth Moore too! We have done quite a few of her studies in my ladies bible class at church and I have loved every one of them!
17
2008
Kyle…hello there old friend! It’s great to see you here
I do thank you for the words of caution. Even though I know the things you have brought up about the Holy Spirit, I failed to mention them. Thank you for bringing it back to the fact that it is not on our OWN power that we make changes in our lives…but only my HIS power. A great reminder.
Regarding the commentary…I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. It just goes to show that you really have to research things on the Internet that look good on the surface.
The excerpt I took from it still speaks truth to me, and I will leave the post as it was originally written. In the future I will be more careful about who/what I post :)Thank you for taking time to inform me about it. Hope to see you guys soon!
17
2008
As you said, the world screams at us and the “words ” come in and we will be pressed into that mold, the worldy mold… in Romans 12 we read “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND”…I love those words …and the mind renewal comes as we read the Word of God….His words come in and shed light on our unspiritual works of darkness…and as we gain understanding from His Word we reject the other “words” that are in error, in actuality are not truth, but lies…and we know where lies come from–the evil one who is the “father of all lies”, Satan himself.
It wasn’t until I understood this that I realized how seriously important it was to daily bathe myself in the Word of God.
God bless you and may you do well with your New Years’s goals.
17
2008
Hey, girl! I put a Beth Moore study on my iPod & she was talking about how we are so programmed to indulge ourselves: “I’m worth it”, “you deserve a break”, etc. Just thinking about my attitude towards that has helped a lot - I realize how often I indulge myself rather than denying myself. I’ve gotten very spoiled & definitely need to change that.
and BTW - 31 is nowhere near old, so turn that mindset around right now, ya hear? You don’t get old until you start thinking you’re old!
17
2008
Thanks for the one year Bible link! I may be an atheist, but I see so much value in reading the Bible and I’m ashamed that I haven’t done it yet. I spent a few hours last night catching up.
About getting outside more- I find so many excuses to stay indoors. “It’s raining,” It’s 7 degrees and not the Celsius variety,” “There’s ice on the ground and I’ll slip and smack my head and be covered in a snowdrift and nobody will find me until spring” are all some of them. I have more than enough warm clothing, umbrellas, and now a set of traction claws for my shoes so what am I whining about? The only thing preventing me from going out more is my own overblown sense of comfort.
Time for me to wean myself from the innernets for a bit
17
2008
Good luck with your new year’s resolutions!
Regarding mastering one’s passions, I like this story that is centuries old:
“The disciples of Rabbi Pinchas were talking with animation when their master entered the House of Study. Upon his arrival, they fell silent.
He asked them: What were you talking about? They replied: We were discussing our fear that the evil inclination will pursue us.
He replied: You need not worry. You have not yet reached so high a plane. For the time being, you are still pursuing it.”
17
2008
Great post as usual. It never fails, if I’m having a bad day, and feel grouchy and not like the person I want to be, I ask myself, did I spend time this morning reading the word, the answer is always no…
17
2008
Thank you, once again, for such a wonderful and challenging post, Sara! I need this reminder. I greatly appreciate your transparency as you share of your own struggles and goals…it’s obvious that God’s sanctifying you daily!
17
2008
Sara,
As a soon-to-be professor of scripture (New Testament), I can’t tell you how much I appreciate seeing people wrestling with scripture and seriously trying to hear what it says to us. This is the first step–and a vital one–to better understanding how we are called to carry God into this world and bear the cross, as Paul puts it. If you like books, I have a lot of them–some of which I will just send to you that I suspect you might like. They are, of course, written by Bible scholars, but ones with deep faith in Jesus who have much to say.
Kyle
17
2008
Kyle…I love books
Definitely let me know your favorites. Can I start calling you Dr. Fever? hee hee 
18
2008
Excellent post! My husband and I were talking last night about how this move has impressed on us our need to let go of the stuff. It’s all related…at least for me. “I deserve to have this…” “It’s not fair that I should have to limit my consumption of that…” Making an overseas move really shines a light on what’s important and what’s not, and has shown me that my emotions are too tightly wrapped around my stuff. It’s been a great liberator for me! Jesus really is the ONLY one who satisfies the longings of our hearts! The move is going smoothly, by the way! We shipped the things we decided to take and now we’re visiting with folks for the last time before we fly out next week…thanks for your input a few days back! We have a mountain of things in our basement that we are not moving, and not replacing when we get there! Folks will be coming over the next few days to sift through it and take what they want. It’s so freeing! Also…and what I REALLY wanted to comment on…is that some years ago I quit reading women’s magazines. They are filled with “you deserve it” and “think of yourself first” and garbage of that sort. Directly contrary to the Word of God! I love to read and now I prefer to read my Bible and books that actually have something to say! And of course blogs… (but even then I’m selective about what goes into my mind!) Have a great day!!
-Mariah
18
2008
Please, no. You know me better than that. I don’t think you can just start calling someone “Dr.” when you’ve known him for more than a decade–especially those camp and college years! I’ll get your address at Matt’s from Laura. Expect a box of gifts.
Good to talk with you a bit.
18
2008
Mariah…I’m so glad the move is going well! I agree on the magazines. I too, am very selective about which ones I choose to read. I especially dislike fitness magazines! Blech.
Dr. Fever ;-)…I love boxes :)You’re the best. I think that you guys should just hand deliver them, however
It’s only 2 hours away!!! Please pretty please? It would be a blast.
18
2008
Thank you for posting the online link for the One Year Bible. I have tried so many times to get through the Bible in one year. I have not been successful yet. I put the widget on my blog so I can pull it up every day and go into it. Maybe that will help.
18
2008
Sara,
Thanks so much for these thoughts. We are starting the Living Beyond Yourself BM Study on Friday…I can’t wait! your journey right now is very similar to mine and I am so inspired by your thoughts!
Is that Kyle Fever of Kyle and Laura Fever, that went to UNI…with a sister Alison Fever?? If so, completely small world.
18
2008
I have never heard of the Forerunner commentary or their sect, but I would put in a word for not restricting ourselves to reading only books written by people we agree with 100 percent.
I have learned valuable things from authors who don’t share my faith or my parenting views or my political perspective.
The world would benefit from people being more open to wisdom from others.
Sara, keep reading widely!
20
2008
Excellent post and great, realistic goals.
I think it’s always good to practice denying yourself–especially in our culture. Probably *because* of our culture. Something for me to think about and practice more.
“In Him and through Him”–that’s the only way I can do it!
20
2008
I never said not to read anything from other perspectives. I never even said not to read from the Forerunner Commentary (though I would read other Biblical commentaries by more reputable scholars as well). I said use caution. Read widely, of course. But, also read more carefully, please. I obviously touched a nerve. But, don’t misunderstand or misread someone and then use that misunderstanding as a launching pad to oppose a viewpoint that was never stated.
21
2008
I really appreciated Kyle’s thoughts…sometimes our focus on “mastering the passions” or to “become better at mastering self” can lead us to a preoccupation with our self…I think as we simply keep our focus on Jesus and imitating Him, the “self stuff” goes away without thought or practice. When I am like Christ then I am not about self at all….and I have seen that my attempts at self-discipline are no match for my flesh/self…only the Holy Spirit and walking by faith can overcome its selfishness. This could all just be semantics, but I unfortunately have lived a long time believing my good choices have way tooo much power for change instead of seeing my emptiness and need for full reliance on Him.
23
2008
God, has really revealed somethings to me about this in the last few months. Thanks for the great post!
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