We reap what we sow

I've just started reading a book, No Man Left Behind. It's about building a thriving men's ministry in the church. I am only three chapters into it so far. I read a statement that struck a chord with me, "Your system is perfectly designed to reproduce the results you are getting." It's apparently a business term that is equally applicable to ministry in that you can only produce the kind of men you already have sitting in the pews. And maybe it was just expressed in a fresh way because the idea isn't new. If we are effectively discipling men, that is going to produce an effective men's' ministry of discipled men, actively growing in their faith.

Actually my purpose is to take that statement and apply to us in general. Our personal system (apart from living freely from the Spirit and God's leading) is perfectly designed to produce the horrendous results we are reaping every day. A life that is consumed with self preservation, self protection, fighting to maintain control of our own lives - as if we have a better plan than the Father... well, there's no need to explain any further, right? We are all guilty.

Another quote comes to mind from David Jeremiah that goes something like, "We have as much God as we want." For me that's a painfully accurate statement. There are areas in my life that I want to change; that I have cried out to the Father about. Things that still go on year after year. So I have to pause and ask myself... do I REALLY want to change that behavior? Do I REALLY want to give God the control? If so, why do I still struggle with these issues? I struggle with legalism, a critical spirit, and emotionally wounding my children with my words. Why would someone WANT to keep doing those things? I don't do what I should and do what what I don't want to... sound familiar? Paul struggled with it too.

I have to wonder if, in truth, I am still running the same 'system' and expecting a different result. That I'm not truly surrendering my life to Christ. I'm still in the driver's seat. I think, if the APOSTLE Paul struggles like that, how much worse off am I? Of course, that's the Enemy talking. He whispers so convincingly...'Why bother? You're going to fail. Just give up. You're not good enough." Thankfully I'm far enough along in my journey to recognize (most the time anyway) the voice of the deceiver. And that's all he is.... a liar. He'll do whatever it takes to keep us from taking hold of the glory and strength we ALREADY posses within us.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power... 2 Timothy 1:7

It's right there within us men. When we accepted Christ, the Holy Spirit entered us with all the strength and courage we will need. Most of us just have a hard time believing it. I'll keep fighting for my heart, and I encourage you to as well. Band together and press on valiant warrior.