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