A More Fulfilled You

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and abolitionist, once noted that the controlled person is the powerful person. If so, how powerful are you? One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. This means you have an aid in developing self-control. Together you can “Build up your strength in union with the Lord, and by means of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6: 10 TEV)

Unfortunately most people are pushed and manipulated by emotions of the moment, not regulated by reason. A training period may be required in order to “let the peace of God rule [that is, be dominant] in your hearts.” (Colossians 6: 10)

The expression “rule” in your heart is like a baseball umpire calling safe or out. If you do not experience a peace with God about a matter the call is out. If you have peace with God about it the call is safe. Don’t argue with the umpire, that is, don’t try to correct the umpire’s call.  

Two steps are required for doing this. In order to plant a potentially productive crop, the ground must be cleared. Romans 12: 2 expresses how this is to be done spiritually: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 

Job, a man experienced in the extremities of stress, suggested the second step: “Acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace.” (Job 22: 21)

First, decide if change is needed, wanted, and possible. Next, flush out old futile philosophies, and preconceived negative concepts from your mind. Your thoughts are your renewable resources. Old thoughts can pass away.

Don’t leave a vacuum. Begin at once to feed your mind on Bible facts.

Load your gumption-gun with good news. 

Desire a change for the good. Increase your “want-to.”

Decipher your opportunities. Evaluate your resources.

Dedicate yourself to working hard for the change.

Discern what you want to be like and do it. Consider what is needed.

Devote yourself to Jesus, and as His servant to people. Know, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25: 40)

Demonstrate your intention by including God in all of your life by praying daily. Prayer is not your last resort — it is your first resource.

Now is a good time “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 22 – 24)

That is a wonderful ideal to which to aspire. You can be a better you — a more fulfilled you.