Delight in Disciplines

Anita Delene Manthe
Jan 10, 2018
3 min read

2018 has just begun and although we know we can work on areas needing change at any time, day or month, the first week of January is always a fun time to make a communal attempt. The start of a New Year brings with it many discussions on resolutions for change. I am sure you, like me, have heard many. Perhaps you, like me, like the start of a New Year as a means of encouragement to try yet again. However, many resolutions fail after a short attempt. Well intentioned desires to lose weight, stop gossiping, make a new friend, or whatever the resolution is fails.

It’s simply true that resolutions come and go when we do not consider the depths of change needed to move from a desire to change to living victoriously free from the confines which held us bound.

Why do so many fail at an attempt to change? Why do they fall short after a strong and vigilant effort to transcend to a better version of themselves?

What do we need to know about ourselves, our nature, and our sin to ensure we can be victorious in our endeavors to change? You may think you already know, or that too much of a fuss is being made when asked to consider and evaluate your sinful tendencies. It is not. To honor and glorify the Lord with the life He has given us necessitates a good long and hard look at why we do what we do.

We need to unravel the reasons we succumb to sinful thoughts and actions. And, we need to call sin – sin. We must stop rationalizing, and condoning what we know to be wrong, and tempting. To do this we must analyze our behaviors knowing their origins, and their roots.

How do we stop feeding the root of our sin to prevent the fruit of our sin? We do this by fixing our thoughts on what is True. We must cut off the source of our sin – from outer temptations to inner agendas. Without buffering our inner resolve through changing our mindset we will not prevail. Truth must feed our opinion and determine our thoughts causing us to live changed and glorifying lives.

Living for the Lord frees us. In Him we live. He sets us free.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity (Titus 2:7).
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party (Titus 1:9-10).
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart (Psalm 119:28-32).