Self Government and Will Training

As most of you know I have been blessed over the years by the writings of a dear sister named Sally Clarkson. I subscribe to her blog and enjoy reading her reflections on life. She knows the Lord and has shown me some very practical ways to encourage my children in the Lord. I recently read and was inspired by post of hers entitled, The Value of Self Government and Will Training. I am trying to slowly digest it and ask the Lord how I can apply some of her suggestions to parenting Annie and Benjamin.

Excerpt from Sally's post:

The idea behind self-government is that all of us have a power and authority over life that comes from within that can help us to master problems, obstacles, and can use our self-will to achieve great things. It is not about gutting out life in the flesh without the power of God, but it is the idea that we have a moral character that can be strengthened and under girded by our will and by practice. He who has cultivated this kind of strong character is useful and productive in almost all areas of life. It is what helps a believer to exercise faith and courage and perseverance in the midst of trials. It is what helps a pianist to practice long hours, an athlete to exercise rigorously in order to become a champion, a missionary to master a language and remain faithful in a foreign country until there is a multiplying ministry; a wife to bear up with grace when married to an immature husband; a mother who continues over and over to practice patience with a sick or rebellious child–governing life by mature, faith-based choices, not by feelings.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

I have been blessed by this chapter over and over again over the course of the last 7 days. I was blessed by it prior to the retreat and my time at the retreat has brought new blessing and perspective for me. Here are a couple of my favorite excerpts:

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." verses 8-11

Verses 16 through 18 was what brought me to read the entire chapter and ultimately the whole letter. There is a great deal of substance and good reading in the entire letter and this chapter, of course I am just giving you the highlights to make you want to dig deeper and see what Paul wrote that led to him making these other statements:

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I'll lump 19-24 together here, but I must tell you that the Lord brought verse 24 to mind more than any other verse lately. It blesses me to know that "the one who calls" me "is faithful and He WILL do it."

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

Father,
Thank you that you have given us the Holy Spirit through Jesus so that we have the chance of knowing you. Continue to reveal yourself more and more to us. Amen.

Verse 28, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."