Amy Boucher Pye

Tag: discipline

  • Weekly devotional: Training in godliness (5 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

    If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:6–10).

    The trend of the yearned-for perfectly shaped and sculpted body continues in our culture as we run, train, jump, pump iron, dance, and eat foods from the latest diet, whether low or high GI, protein, or other. But do we focus enough on the training of our soul? Do we have fit bodies but fat minds, in the memorable title by Os Guinness (Fit Bodies, Fat Minds, Baker, 1994)?

    Paul speaks of Timothy being nourished by the food that lasts – that is, the truths of the faith and the good teaching he’s received, whether through his mother and grandmother, other church leaders, or Paul himself. Why, Paul says, should we neglect the state of our souls in favor of the state of our bodies, when our souls will be those which live on into eternity?

    Many Christians seek to practice the spiritual disciplines regularly, such as Bible reading and study, being thankful, taking time for silence and solitude, and doing acts of mercy in secret. They find doing so in community to be mutually beneficial. May we continue to spur each other on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

    Prayer: Father God, through the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to train ourselves in righteousness, that we might reflect your grace and your glory to a hurting world.

  • Just say no

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    “Uncle John” in his study. I got to meet him there once, when we were talking about the third edition of “Issues Facing Christians Today” (when I worked at Zondervan).

    Two years ago the world-famous theologian, pastor, author, and visionary, John RW Stott, died on 27 July 2011. I remember joining nearly two thousand others in St Paul’s Cathedral at his memorial service: archbishops and bishops were there; former churchwardens and vicars galore; scholars and publishers and laypeople. But missing were his wife, children and grandchildren – for he never married. Rather throughout his life he focused on fulfilling his calling with a laser-like focus. He said no to becoming a bishop; he said no to marriage; he said no to many good and worthy projects – articles, books, organizations – that would have distracted him from what he believed God was calling him to do. (And such was his personal discipline that he also always said no to seconds on food. Hmm; I could learn from that one!)

    That morning before I went to the memorial service, I received an invitation to write a book for a respected American Christian publisher – a publisher with whom I would love to work. In an economic climate where publishing contracts can be like hidden treasure, I was thrilled to be considered. The project would be fun but the deadline a killer – just eight weeks hence. I dreamed and thought and pondered and prayed. But sitting in St Paul’s Cathedral, taking in the throngs of people changed through the witness of one man’s commitment and focus, I realized that I had to Just Say No. I was torn, for in saying yes I would finally be a published author. But what would be the cost?

    A frazzled life in the coming days and weeks. A husband and children wondering where their wife and mother disappeared. Less sleep. Less prayer. Less fun with girlfriends. Less exercise and more eating of the wrong things.

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    Created by Nicki, www.keepcalmstudio.com.

    The hidden but bigger cost, however, would come from not doing what I know I need to tackle. Namely finishing of the draft of my book – the memoir of how I looked for love and acceptance in men, and finally found my identity in God. Of how I’ve learned to turn off the talk fuelled by self-hatred and to listen instead to the One who created me and loves me.

    What’s your calling? Who has God made you to be? Perhaps you’ve already sussed what drains or energizes you. If not, or if you get muddled and sometimes say yes to things you shouldn’t – as I do – join me in slowing down and listening to God’s whisper. Saying no might mean that later, for something better, you can Just Say Yes.

    Is God asking you to say no – or yes? Is he inviting you to a new adventure that he’d love for you to embark on with him? Does he want you just to slow down? What are you sensing?