God’s Ways Are The Opposite of Our Natural Inclinations

Natural Inclinations God’s Ways
1. Reject unchangeable physical or family features. Accept these as God’s means of developing inward character, and thank Him for them.
2. React to parents and others in authority who do not give us what we want. Recognize that God has established all human authorities to praise those who do good and punish those who do evil.
3. Cover our secret sins and failures so others will not think less of us. Humble ourselves by confessing faults, asking forgiveness, and making restitution were appropriate. “Before honor is humility” (Proverbs 15:33), but he that covers his sin will not prosper (see Proverbs 28:13).
4. Reject our offenders and eagerly hope that they will be damaged. Forgive those who offend us, and look for ways to benefit their lives.
5. Claim ownership of our possessions and use them for our own pleasure. Dedicate our possessions to God, and use them to advance His Kingdom.
6. Reprove those who fail to respect our personal rights. Yield our rights to God, and thank Him for whatever happens beyond our control.
7. Enjoy the pleasures of sensuality and lust. Dedicate our bodies to God as “living sacrifices” and daily yield our bodies to Him.
8. Desire to be rich so we will have security, nice possessions, and the praise of others. Purpose to be a “giver” rather than a “taker,” and learn how to serve others to make them successful.
9. Lead your family by asserting your authority. Look for ways to serve each member of your family.
10. Choose friends on the basis of what they can do for you. Invest in the lives of those God has brought into your life.

Many of these ideas taken from The Power for True Success