We Need to Mature in Our Will Power
Hebrews 12:1, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Willpower to finish the race set before us.
How do we define willpower? Mr. Webster defines it as “energetic
determination.” My Mother would say it is having “Gumption.”
Maturing in willpower means we do right despite the difficulties, trials, or
even the disappointments. It means disciplining our eyes, ears, hands, and
feet. It means keeping moral tabs on ourselves, refusing to let down the
standards and principles that we have been taught.
People with will power are able to lay aside the weights, (a weight is
anything that hinders our walk with the Lord.) Then we’re told, and the sin
that doth so easily beset us, (notice the words, the sin) this is not just sin in
general, the sin, is the sin of unbelief.
This race must be run with patience and perseverance. There will be need of
patience to face the difficulties that lie in our way, of perseverance to resist
all temptations to quit or turn away. Faith and patience are the conquering
graces, and must always be refined and exercised.
People with willpower know how to turn right thinking into action – even
when their feelings don’t agree.