Change is difficult but change, even extraordinary change, is possible. The brain is a complex but beautiful organ that houses affections, emotions, will and determination. Since all of these can be impacted each, therefore, can be changed. Negative affections can be changed to reflect the positive, self doubt can be shaped into confidence. We all can change for the better - spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally.
This is not easy, however. It will take time and discipline.
In the last blog I gave the illustration concerning my loathing relationship with the subject of Math. For a long time I had an adverse relationship to it because, believing I was not good at it, my grades had not faired too well. Then, in my final year in college, I was faced with a mountain that, truthfully, made me think of simply quitting. I had to take "Business Calculus." There was no way around it and graduation depended on it. There was no turning back.
This math class met twice each week on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Not only was it math and Calculus at that, but they had the nerve to have it early in the morning! This was not looking good already. But there was no other path forward. So, I made a decision; a decision that would not only change my relationship with math but would also change my perspective on growth - spiritual growth more specifically. I made the decision that I would do math every day even though I had the class twice each week.
I did all of my homework twice each day. The first time I would complete all of the problems and set that aside. I would then repeat the homework assignment, checking it with the first and then comparing it to the answers in the back of the book. I did this everyday - including the weekend. I was or I should say, I became, serious about Math. Well, maybe I was more afraid of not graduating. I could not tell the difference. Either way, I was focused and determined.
In the end, for the first time in my life, I received a B in math. Yes, even now, years later, there is a great deal of satisfaction in that reality! I could not know how this achievement would impact the whole of my life, especially my life as a Christian.
I learned in this process that growth is not simply a matter of skill. It is chiefly, even primarily, a matter of sweat. I passed Math because not because I was skilled at it. I passed because I gave the kind of effort that wanted to achieve the goal of passing. The same is true regarding our growth in Christ. Growth in the Lord is not about skill as much as it is about sweat. Skill is developed only by those who are not afraid and are determined to sweat it out!
Paul puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 9:25–27;
25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but
we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I
discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be
disqualified.
What is it that you want to achieve or become in the Lord? Are you willing to do, at the least, the most that an athlete does to obtain something that perishes? None of us is ready to or will change until the following facts are true about us:
We are passionate about having the Paul-Mentality and spiritually outworking Kobe's legendary Mamba Mentality. Be more determined to being like Christ than athletes are to winning!
We are determined to create a daily plan and strategy for spiritual growth and refuse to live a day void of kingdom purpose. Train like, but harder, than athletes by working a thoughtful plan
We are desperate to live a life that proves our profession of Christ as genuine rather than a life that disqualifies it. Consistency is the main ingredient to change and honor.
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