Virtues over Vices - Self-Control

 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11–14 ESV).

 

In our reading today we see the virtue of self-control highlighted. It literally means “having a sound mind, or being reasonable.” It is basically the opposite of living in confusion, ignorance, or indifference about making choices that support healthy living. God’s grace saves us from ungodliness (literally, “an unworshipful life”) and from being a slave to the world’s ideas of what we need or want. We are not born with the ability to just say “no”—at least not on a regular basis and not without something else to say “yes” to. If we are without God in our life, all our “yes’s” are basically guesswork. Our guesses sometimes make things worse, and sometimes a little better—but without God we cannot find the path to full life.

 

In his grace, however, God has already said “yes” to something else for us. Through the work of the Savior, Jesus, God has said “yes” to our redemption, giving us a whole new way of life. And because of this, God can now train us to say “yes” to better choices in our everyday living. That’s self-control.

 

Self-control is the God-trained ability to understand and choose which options bring us closer to being our best selves. One of the practices that accompanies self-control is delayed gratification. Because our culture has become more “now-centered” this concept is often difficult to practice. We have come to accept as reasonable and “fair” this idea that it is always okay to want what we want and want it NOW. Often that creates a recipe producing disaster. This is especially true when we are making choices between good, better, and best. God desire the best for us. Often that requires waiting with patient endurance. Commit to the best in your life!

 

Virtures over Vices - Joy

 

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. And they found it written in the Law that the LORD had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, and that they should proclaim it and publish it in all their towns and in Jerusalem, “Go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.” So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing. And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule. (Nehemiah 8:9–18 ESV).

 

Our reading today describes the Feast of Booths for the people of Israel. The Feast of Booths, also known as Sukkot, is a week-long Jewish harvest festival that commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. It is one of the three biblically mandated pilgrimage festivals, along with Passover and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). It was to be a time of celebration and joy.

 

The context of the reading today is the time when the people heard the law of God, they wept as they recognized how far they had strayed from God's commands. Their tears showed their remorse and conviction. Governor Nehemiah, the priest Ezra, and the Levites told the people to stop mourning. They declared that the day was holy to the Lord and meant for rejoicing. "The joy of the Lord is your strength". Nehemiah commanded the people to celebrate by eating rich food, drinking sweet drinks, and sharing with those who had nothing prepared. He assured them that the "joy of the Lord is your strength," a powerful reminder that their endurance would come from God's joy, not their own sorrow.

 

That brings us to our focal virtue today. How do we balance the joy of forgiveness with the grief of sin? If we move on too fast, does that show we aren’t really sorry? Are we doing some injustice to God or to others we have sinned against? Or, if we hold on to being sorry too long, does that mean we do not trust enough in God’s power to forgive? Guilt can be hard to get over. The feelings can last a long time. But since all sins are against God, even when a sin is also against others, God’s situation is totally opposite to ours. He could demand that we wallow in our sorrow. But that’s not who God is. God loves us and is overjoyed when we want to be in a good relationship with him again. In fact, God has so much joy when we repent of our sin that his joy provides the strength we need to forgive ourselves.

 

Nehemiah urged the people to experience that joy. He called for a feast so that the people could enjoy fine foods and drinks and share with others. This wasn’t about just going through motions; it was about recognizing that God’s law calls for a relationship with us. And as far as God is concerned, if we are ready to stop moving away from him and start moving toward him, that brings the most joy. Perhaps you need to “build a booth,” even if it might be just a tent in your backyard. Celebrate that your sins are forgiven!

 

Virtues over Vices - Endurance

 

[Jesus said] “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:7–13 ESV).

 

Teresa of Ávila said, “Out of suffering comes the serious mind; out of salvation, the grateful heart; out of endurance, fortitude; out of deliverance faith. Patient endurance attends to all things.” Patient endurance is the ability to withstand hardship and difficult situations without giving up, maintaining hope and a positive attitude while waiting for things to improve. It is an active and productive virtue, distinct from passive resignation, that strengthens character and leads to achieving one's goals. It involves steadfastness, perseverance, and courage in the face of trials, whether they are self-inflicted, due to the world's brokenness, or other circumstances.  Jesus suffered terribly because of how sinful our world is. After suffering, Jesus even died because of our sins. He endured suffering and died so that our sins would be atoned for and our deaths could be overcome. Then, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead in triumph—yet we must not lose sight of his suffering.

 

The believers who made up the church in ancient Philadelphia (in Greece) held tightly to the story of Jesus’ suffering. It inspired them enough to face their own suffering and persecution. And Jesus said they would be rewarded for their steadfast endurance. In our reading today, what is called “patience” is more like extreme patience. It’s the kind of patience that is required to endure doing the right thing and living the right way even when you can’t see any benefit in doing so. It is the virtue of holding on even when the reward might not come in this life.

 

The reward is eternal life, though we see the good of patient endurance in little ways today as well. I’ve often come to a task that is not particularly “fun,” bit simply had to be done. These are usually the mundane tasks of the day, laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, and the like. While these things cannot compare in severity or difficulty to other circumstances we will be challenged by, I have learned that if I start the task and simply measure my success in smaller parts of the whole, finishing them seems easier and quicker. Sounds silly, but it works to be more fractionally focused.

 

I am starting to write another book. The last one was a little over 300 pages in length measuring about 180,000 words in total. It took nearly a year to write, edit, and publish. To give you a bit of perspective, book is much today’s devotional is about 700 words and has taken me about an hour to write. A book is a much bigger task! However, if I think in terms of finishing one step in the process, it goes much easier and faster! Whatever you’re facing, trust God to give you the strength to take each step necessary to finish and step into it with confidence and faith!

 

Virtues over Vices - Humility

 

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:1–4 ESV).

 

As we continue our look into “Virtues over Vices,” we come to the words of Solomon in Proverbs 22. The rewards promised in our reading today are expanded for us clearly. It is important to note that avoiding pride is not enough. We need to lean away from it and become humble. Ezra Taft Benson wrote, “Pride is concerned with who is right; humility is concerned with what is right. Humility does not mean weakness. It does not mean timidity. It does not mean fear. A man can be humble and fearless. A man can be humble and courageous."

 

I have also read this anonymous quote that states: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less". Humility is selfless not selfish. In fact, I believe that humility is being authentic without any pretense or arrogance. It is really about being true to yourself and knowing your limitations, from the inside out.

God makes both the rich and the poor (v. 2). In this context, “rich” does not refer to having an extravagant life. Having riches, or wealth, means that when we are doing God’s work—that is, living God’s way—we can count on receiving everything we truly need to keep going.

 

And wealth isn’t the most important reward. Honor, a good name, is more desirable than great riches (v. 1). By humbly following God, we gain the respect of other good people, and we probably gain some respect from some not-so-great people also. The most reliable reward of humbly following God is life itself. When we are humble enough to rely on God’s direction, it is amazing how many pitfalls we avoid. We avoid the problems that pride falsely teaches that we can handle ourselves.

 

When we are humble, we are amazed how often God helps us avoid trouble that we didn’t even see coming. When we are humble and we see or hear of someone’s folly leading to ruin, we learn to say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” Strive to develop your humility that it may overtake and replace the natural tendency of our sin nature to be prideful and arrogant. That is the way to a “good name”!

 

Virtues over Vices - Contentment

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:8–13 ESV).

 

Contentment is a state of quiet happiness and satisfaction with one's current circumstances. It is an inner peace that comes from being at ease with what you have, rather than constantly striving for more. Some of the key characteristics are satisfaction with the present; peace of mind; not complacent; and independent of external events. Contentment was a powerful word to the Greek-speaking people of the Apostle Paul’s day. In fact, many teachers in that day believed that contentment was the greatest virtue.

 

Unfortunately their version of contentment was based on self-accomplishment. To become content, they taught, a person had to be able to provide completely for himself or herself. That is also true in our day. We see people valued more highly than others based on their position, power, or possessions.

 

The Apostle Paul knew that it was a myth to think that a human being could be completely self-sustaining. And yet here he looks within himself and finds that everything he needs is there within him. He comes to the absolute understanding that God put it there. God’s own Spirit had begun living inside of Paul.

 

This contentment provided by the Spirit of God gave Paul tremendous freedom. He goes on to say that sometimes his physical needs have been met, and sometimes they have not been met. But even when he has not had enough food, clothing, money, or other basic needs, he has still found that God’s peace and strength have been present within him. That is real contentment; that is real peace of mind. That should be the central focus of our mind!

  

Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 5

 

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:1-12 ESV).

 

Through the years I have had many conversations with people about the “right” posture of prayer. Should you be standing, kneeling, bowing, face-down or face up? Do you close your eyes, or keep them open? Do you fold your hands, or hold them with palms open? I’m afraid I’ve become less tolerant with such frivolous inquiries inwardly than when I was a bit younger. My inclination is to simply, quietly answer, “Doesn’t really matter how your physical position is if your inward position is not correct. Get your heart right and everything else will be right!

 

The Bible teaches that God rejects the proud and the arrogant. But God listens to the prayers of believers who approach him with a humble and contrite heart. Approaching God with a humble and repentant heart, though, does not imply groveling. Coming before God with meekness, we confess that we have sinned and have fallen short of his glory. Our humility is an appeal for forgiveness. It’s an acknowledgment of our utter need and total dependence. Ultimately, it’s a plea that we need Jesus.

 

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we receive God’s grace. So, with humility and a contrite spirit, we can boldly enter into God’s very presence with our prayers. God does not despise our humble repentance. So whether you pray standing up, on your knees, seated, with your hands folded, or however you happen to approach God, do so with a humble and contrite heart!

 

Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 4

 

[Jesus said] “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:12–26 ESV).

 

Today’s reading is also known as “the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.” We sometimes confuse Jesus’ “Model Prayer” (cf. Matthew 7) with a prayer that Jesus actually prayed. He certainly could have prayed that prayer; however, we know that the prayer of John 17 is one that came from Him on the night of His betrayal and arrest. Jesus prayed this prayer to his Father, interceding for his disciples and all believers. This prayer is filled with compassion, revealing Christ’s mission for himself and his followers. It is a prayer that wells up from Jesus’ passion.

 

Jesus never petitioned His Father that we would never face hardships. He asks that we may persevere. It’s a prayer for unity among believers so that others will believe. It’s a prayer of deep love, asking that all people may grow to believe in him. Reflecting on this prayer of Jesus, we can see that as believers we have a mission—and we will accomplish it only by remaining in him who is the vine (cf. John 15:5). The Bible’s message is designed to draw us into relationship with our Creator, who has revealed himself in his Son, Jesus Christ, and by his Holy Spirit. It is appropriate that we look at another great ancient prayer, the closing prayer of the Canons of Dort:

 

“May God’s Son Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of God and gives gifts to humanity, sanctify us in the truth, lead to the truth those who err, silence the mouths of those who lay false accusations against sound teaching, and equip faithful ministers of God’s Word with a spirit of wisdom and discretion, that all they say may be to the glory of God and the building up of their hearers. Amen.”

 

Following Jesus’ example, let’s be passionate in prayer. May we love as God loves—and share his good news everywhere!