(L, M)br...
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(L, M)
Paul exercised self-discipline in order that his preaching to others would reflect authority and have lasting influence upon his hearers. He set the example. Henry Martyn, Cambridge fellow and Anglican clergyman, had come under the influence of Methodism in the early nineteenth century. He struggled with his lack of personal self-discipline, writing concerning the proper use of time: "Rose late from bed -- have wasted a great deal of time in unnecessary sleep; in consequence of which I was galled with shame, and a sense of guilt the first half of the day. I had lost the presence of God, and went on in a great deal of misery." Then later in his diary, "At night dined with ________. I came away most grievously uneasy at spending so much time so disagreeably. Yet this is the poor flock over which I am appointed. The Lord help me care for them, while they are not caring for themselves!" (Great Devotional Classics, Nashville: The Upper Room)
Self-discipline is imperative for the Christian who is concerned about Christian witness. Often quoted are the words of an unknown philosopher, "You can't teach what you don't know any more than you can go back to where you haven't been."
- Dean
Paul exercised self-discipline in order that his preaching to others would reflect authority and have lasting influence upon his hearers. He set the example. Henry Martyn, Cambridge fellow and Anglican clergyman, had come under the influence of Methodism in the early nineteenth century. He struggled with his lack of personal self-discipline, writing concerning the proper use of time: "Rose late from bed -- have wasted a great deal of time in unnecessary sleep; in consequence of which I was galled with shame, and a sense of guilt the first half of the day. I had lost the presence of God, and went on in a great deal of misery." Then later in his diary, "At night dined with ________. I came away most grievously uneasy at spending so much time so disagreeably. Yet this is the poor flock over which I am appointed. The Lord help me care for them, while they are not caring for themselves!" (Great Devotional Classics, Nashville: The Upper Room)
Self-discipline is imperative for the Christian who is concerned about Christian witness. Often quoted are the words of an unknown philosopher, "You can't teach what you don't know any more than you can go back to where you haven't been."
- Dean
