There are generally two kinds of people, morally: Those who care and those who don’t. The majority of people care, but are hypocrites. The others, those who don’t care, are also hypocrites. The differences aren’t actually in the person, but in the people around them. Those who don’t care justify themselves claiming they aren’t hurting anyone. This is hypocritical because they feel they have to make excuses for actions they shouldn’t care about. It’s also lying because it usually hurting someone.
Those who care have worked out a morality that they want to live by, only they don’t. That is as simple as hating it when people lie to them, but creating half-truths for everyone else so they only see a false representation of them. This is solved by self-discipline, we discover.
If I am to live by these rules I’d better get my act together; it’s not going to happen by wishing, is it?
This usually lasts 2-3 days:
I will keep my workspace tidy
Ø 3 days
I will wash up after every meal
Ø 3 days
I will say thank you to anyone who helps me
Ø 3 days
I will keep my bedroom clean
Ø 2 days
This actually doesn’t make you a better person. It simply accentuates your natural ability to fail. There are about 6 strong-willed people in the world, and they can’t relate to this, but their issue is in being unable to rest, and regroup. Be where they and no thinking about other things, either next or tomorrow; or on holiday.
When Jesus came to show a life that is actually living, there was something different about his treatment of people. He expected nothing from anyone. Sure he spoke with discipline at times, but it wasn’t done out of disgust, but with a heart of service. When Jesus walks on the scene, miracles, people, and his disciples somewhere in the crowd, following him, he doesn’t ask anything of anyone. He said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve. He came to show how true authority is true generosity.
His ultimate accumulation of service happened as he died, taking the punishment for the selfishness of the world’s corruption. His achievement was that through his death and the defeat of death and corruption in his resurrection, was the freedom that brought in those who trusted him. They were free to give themselves fully to the service of others.
One follower of Jesus wrote, later on in the growth of this community of believers, about the Spirit that lives in a Christian: The fruit of the Spirit living in you is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-discipline.” Notice how self-discipline is part of the life of a follower of Jesus, not something that will make you more loving or joyful or faithful or patient.
These attributes come out of self-giving service to others. What might that mean for you? Before you answer that, talk to Jesus. He knows you better than you do.
Those who care have worked out a morality that they want to live by, only they don’t. That is as simple as hating it when people lie to them, but creating half-truths for everyone else so they only see a false representation of them. This is solved by self-discipline, we discover.
If I am to live by these rules I’d better get my act together; it’s not going to happen by wishing, is it?
This usually lasts 2-3 days:
I will keep my workspace tidy
Ø 3 days
I will wash up after every meal
Ø 3 days
I will say thank you to anyone who helps me
Ø 3 days
I will keep my bedroom clean
Ø 2 days
This actually doesn’t make you a better person. It simply accentuates your natural ability to fail. There are about 6 strong-willed people in the world, and they can’t relate to this, but their issue is in being unable to rest, and regroup. Be where they and no thinking about other things, either next or tomorrow; or on holiday.
When Jesus came to show a life that is actually living, there was something different about his treatment of people. He expected nothing from anyone. Sure he spoke with discipline at times, but it wasn’t done out of disgust, but with a heart of service. When Jesus walks on the scene, miracles, people, and his disciples somewhere in the crowd, following him, he doesn’t ask anything of anyone. He said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve. He came to show how true authority is true generosity.
His ultimate accumulation of service happened as he died, taking the punishment for the selfishness of the world’s corruption. His achievement was that through his death and the defeat of death and corruption in his resurrection, was the freedom that brought in those who trusted him. They were free to give themselves fully to the service of others.
One follower of Jesus wrote, later on in the growth of this community of believers, about the Spirit that lives in a Christian: The fruit of the Spirit living in you is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-discipline.” Notice how self-discipline is part of the life of a follower of Jesus, not something that will make you more loving or joyful or faithful or patient.
These attributes come out of self-giving service to others. What might that mean for you? Before you answer that, talk to Jesus. He knows you better than you do.
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1 comment:
Hm - funny. But good.
Interestingly enough the whole thing of self-discipline is way more important than we normally think...Paul writing to Timothy listed things to tell old men, but for young men the only thing he said was 'tell them to get some self control!'
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