Strive to choose, not that which is easiest, but that which is most difficult. Do not deprive your soul of the agility which it needs to mount up to Him.
SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS
“In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is often overlooked. Yet it may be one of the most important lost virtues of our time.” So goes the introduction to the thought provoking book by Elisabeth Elliot, ‘Joyful Surrender’.
This summer while on vacation, I read ‘Joyful Surrender’ out loud to Darryl—one chapter per day. The chapters often led to deep discussions, but I have to admit that some days as I approached reading another chapter I was not in the best frame of mind. The many inconvenient and even alarming circumstances surrounding the pandemic cast a wet blanket (“it’s too hard, too restrictive, too awkward”) over the fresh possibilities of a new day.
I understand that these are dark times and certainly in dark times people turn back to their faith to find comfort and direction. As believers our faith and trust in God is the one thing that will carry us through. I am certainly grounded by the fact that I am created, owned, possessed, and known by God. But have I wandered from the path of self-discipline and surrender in my spiritual life? Have I succumbed to a life of comfort and ease?
Self-discipline is the ability to control my feelings and overcome my weaknesses to pursue what is right despite temptations to abandon it. Elisabeth’s writing penetrated my foggy thinking and I realized I will not find clarity by doing only what I want to do or not doing what I don’t want to do. Consider this final challenge from Elisabeth:
IF WE SUFFER WITH CHRIST, WE WILL REIGN WITH HIM.
IF A GRAIN OF WHEAT DIES, IT PRODUCES FRUIT.
IF WE RELINQUISH OUR MOURNING, GOD GIVES US A GARMENT OF PRAISE.
IF WE BRING OUR SINS, HE REPLACES THEM WITH A ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
JOY COMES NOT IN SPITE OF, BUT BECAUSE OF, SORROW. (p. 150)
Jesus extends love, acceptance, forgiveness, a weight of glory, and fullness of joy. Am I able to muster up the self-discipline required to surrender my expectations and do what is right—answer His call to obedience?