Are you driven by external achievements or are you called by a higher purpose? How does your inner world reflect on your outer life? Are you able to find peace in solitude, or are you constantly chasing the next big thing? Learn how figures like Jesus' disciples, Dr. Thomas Holmes, King Saul, and the Apostle Paul navigated these questions and discover what it truly means to be driven by a higher purpose.

Ordering Your Private World

Residents of a Florida apartment building awoke to a terrifying sight: a massive sinkhole had collapsed the ground outside, swallowing cars, sidewalks, and lawn furniture. Sinkholes occur when underground streams drain away during droughts, causing the surface ground to cave in. This phenomenon mirrors the lives of many people who, despite outward success, neglect their inner world, leading to an emotional or spiritual collapse.

The story of Jerry from the TV show "Survivor" illustrates this. During the show, Jerry faced immense stress and discovered character traits she was unaware of, much like many of us who ignore our private worlds until it's almost too late. Oscar Wilde's life is another example. He acknowledged that he neglected his inner world, leading to his downfall despite external successes.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh, on the other hand, emphasized the need for inner harmony to manage external obligations effectively. Her book *The Gift from the Sea* highlights the importance of maintaining an ordered inner life to function well in the outer world. Fred Mitchell warned against the "barrenness of a busy life," highlighting the dangers of neglecting one's inner self amidst external busyness.

A Navy submarine story further illustrates the importance of inner order. During a turbulent situation, the captain's confidence stemmed from the calm and organized bridge crew. Similarly, when we face life's pressures, we need a well-ordered inner world to navigate challenges effectively.

The Bible supports this principle. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life," emphasizing the need to guard and nurture our inner world. Mary Slessor, a missionary, found peace in her heart despite external hardships, demonstrating the power of a strong inner life.

In essence, the balance between our outer and inner worlds is crucial. While our public lives demand attention, the strength and resilience to handle these demands come from a well-maintained private world. Prioritizing our inner life ensures we can face external pressures without collapsing, much like the calm command on the bridge of a submarine during a storm.

Can Oscar Wilde and Jerry from "Survivor" Teach Us About the Dangers of Ignoring Our Inner World?

The twelve disciples of Jesus were an unexpected group, not the type most would pick to lead a movement. Yet, Jesus saw something special in them, excluding Judas Iscariot. Interestingly, there were others who wanted to join Jesus, but He discouraged them, perhaps sensing their hidden motives and personal agendas.

This distinction between the "called" and the "driven" is crucial. Driven individuals, often under immense stress, chase achievements and external validation, neglecting their inner world. Dr. Thomas Holmes's stress research highlights the severe health risks associated with such a lifestyle. Driven people are often stressed, seeking accomplishment as a way to gain approval, as seen in a poignant story of a man driven by his father's constant belittling.

Driven individuals are characterized by their need for accomplishment, preoccupation with status symbols, a relentless pursuit of expansion, and a tendency to compromise integrity. They often lack people skills, are highly competitive, and can harbor volcanic anger. Their lives become abnormally busy, leaving no room for play or spiritual worship.

A driven man's story unfolds tragically. Despite achieving external success, he loses his family and health, driven by a need to prove his worth to a now-deceased father. This tragic tale is paralleled by the Biblical story of King Saul, who, driven by external attributes, never cultivated his inner world, leading to his downfall.

However, there is hope for driven people. Transformation begins with facing one's inner motives and discovering a "called" life through Christ. The Apostle Paul is a prime example, shifting from a driven life to one called by Jesus. True change requires self-examination, mentorship, and sometimes forgiveness.

This narrative is a call to reflect on our own lives, to ensure we are not driven by external validation but called by a higher purpose.

The Transformative Journey from Stress to Purpose, Inspired by Jesus and the Apostle Paul

In a time-honored book, a profound lesson emerges about Uncle Tom, a slave whose faith wavered as he left his loved ones, feeling as though he was leaving God behind. A dream reassured him, echoing divine promises, providing solace amid cruelty. This reveals the essence of being a "called" person—those who possess inner strength, impervious to external hardships.

Driven people chase achievements, often crumbling under pressure. Called individuals, however, demonstrate resilience, often unnoticed and ordinary, yet chosen for extraordinary purposes. Christ selected seemingly ordinary men, showcasing that true leadership transcends societal standards.

Consider John the Baptizer, a man of immense courage and conviction. He rebuked crowds demanding spiritual repentance, indifferent to their societal status. Despite losing favor as Jesus gained followers, John remained steadfast, showcasing the principles of stewardship, identity, purpose, and commitment.

John exemplified stewardship, understanding he merely managed what God entrusted him. Unlike driven individuals who cling to their possessions and roles, John gracefully released his influence, knowing it was never truly his. His unwavering sense of identity prevented him from succumbing to the allure of false grandeur.

Purpose guided John, likening himself to the best man at a wedding, whose role is to highlight the groom. This clarity enabled him to rejoice as crowds turned to Jesus, fulfilling his mission. His commitment to release, acknowledging the need to step back, contrasts sharply with driven individuals who struggle to relinquish control.

John’s inner world, shaped by godly parents and solitude in the desert, allowed him to hear God’s call amidst societal chaos. Time in the wilderness forged his resilience, preparing him to introduce his generation to Christ. His serenity and assurance stemmed from a well-ordered private world, reflecting God’s voice louder than public acclaim.

As we navigate our lives, the lessons from John and Jesus emphasize the importance of an ordered inner world and time management. Budgeting time, understanding one’s mission, and recognizing limits are essential for living a purposeful, called life. Balancing solitude and engagement, like Jesus did, ensures we remain focused on what truly matters, unburdened by external pressures.

In the end, embracing littleness, hiddenness, and powerlessness, as Henri Nouwen suggests, leads to a meaningful, fulfilling life aligned with divine purpose.

Can We Learn Leadership and Resilience from John the Baptizer's Profound Example?

From personal experiences and conversations with others, MacDonald realized that mastering a few basic principles was key to gaining control over time. He termed these principles as "MacDonald’s Laws of Unmanaged Time."

Law 1: Unmanaged Time Flows Toward Weaknesses. Without a clear sense of mission and failure to address his weaknesses, MacDonald found himself spending excessive time on tasks he was not proficient in, thereby neglecting his strengths. For instance, being an idea person, he thrived in reading, studying, and reflecting. By delegating administrative tasks to a competent pastor, he was able to focus on his strengths.

Law 2: Unmanaged Time Comes Under the Influence of Dominant People in the World. MacDonald found that without organized time, he was at the mercy of anyone’s agenda, often at the expense of his family. He learned that commanding his own time brought respect for himself and his schedule.

Law 3: Unmanaged Time Surrenders to the Demands of All Emergencies. MacDonald understood that not everything that seems urgent is. When a woman once demanded an immediate meeting, he proposed a later time, grasping the importance of his schedule. He realized the importance of managing emergencies without letting them disrupt his planned priorities.

Law 4: Unmanaged Time Gets Invested in Things That Gain Public Acclamation. Early in their marriage, MacDonald and his wife Gail were tempted by the applause from singing at events, but they chose to focus on preaching and pastoral care, which paid off in the long run.

To recapture lost time, MacDonald understood the importance of knowing his rhythms of maximum effectiveness, setting thoughtful criteria for using his time, and budgeting it well in advance. He found he did his best study work later in the week and was more effective with people earlier. Planning around these rhythms proved to be immensely helpful.

Emphasizing mental endurance, MacDonald recalled a story from his youth about running a relay race, where the lead sprinter exhausted himself too soon. This taught him that natural talent alone isn’t enough; endurance and mental strength are essential. He found that mental flabbiness leads to dependency on others’ thoughts and ideas, which can be disastrous, as seen in the Guyana tragedy with Jim Jones.

MacDonald understood that the mind must be trained to think, analyze, and innovate. Those who succeed early based on natural talent may struggle later without mental endurance. He realized that to be effective in his roles, he needed to continuously sharpen his mental capacities.

Reflecting on thinkers like Paul, who encouraged the renewal of the mind, MacDonald understood the importance of a disciplined intellectual life. He learned that mental laziness leads to mediocrity, but a trained mind can challenge and innovate within the culture. Stories like Admiral Hyman Rickover’s interviews, where he pushed candidates to think deeply, reminded him of the need for mental rigor.

In short, MacDonald found that seizing control of his time, embracing mental discipline, and planning his priorities weeks in advance were crucial steps in organizing his private world and maximizing his effectiveness.

Unlocking Productivity: MacDonald’s Time Management Laws and Mental Mastery

One day, MacDonald and his wife Gail found an old biography of Daniel Webster from the 1840s in a used bookstore. The book's cover was worn, giving the impression it had been well-read. However, they discovered many pages were uncut, indicating it had never been read. This illustrated how a person can appear knowledgeable but remain intellectually stagnant if they don't actively seek growth.

Ernest Dimnet's book, "The Art of Thinking," highlights the importance of intellectual discipline. He describes a mechanic who, unlike the onlookers, methodically diagnoses and fixes a problem. This example illustrates the power of thoughtful observation and critical thinking.

King Solomon exemplified intellectual growth by exploring various subjects, sharing wisdom, and continuously seeking knowledge. This intellectual curiosity and discipline made him a revered figure.

To grow intellectually, one must: 
1. Think from a Christian perspective, understanding the world as God's creation and making choices that honor Him.
2. Observe and appreciate God's messages in creation, using gifts to glorify Him.
3. Pursue information to serve others, like missionary-physician Paul Brand, who used his knowledge to restore health to leprosy patients.

Personal growth involves disciplined study, listening, and reading. For example, listening to mentors and critics provides valuable insights. Reading systematically enhances knowledge and perspective. Setting aside time for offensive study, beyond immediate needs, fosters deeper understanding and preparation for future challenges.

MacDonald's journey involved transitioning from defensive study, driven by immediate tasks, to offensive study, aimed at broad intellectual exploration. This shift required dedicated time and support from his wife, who recognized the importance of uninterrupted study.

Ultimately, intellectual growth enables us to serve others better and reflect God's glory. Like the once-unread book, our minds must be actively engaged to reach their full potential. Whether through listening, reading, or disciplined study, nurturing our intellects allows us to contribute meaningfully to our world and deepen our connection with God.

Can Intellectual Curiosity Like King Solomon’s Transform Your Life?

Stanley Jones, a devoted Methodist missionary to India, faced a debilitating stroke that left him immobile and nearly speechless. Yet, he remained steadfast in his faith, declaring, “I need no outer props to hold up my faith, for my faith holds me.” This profound reliance on inner strength stood in contrast to others, like a retired bishop Jones knew who struggled after losing his spotlight. Jones revealed that the secret to victorious living was rooted in self-surrender to Jesus.

To cultivate a resilient inner life, Jones suggested four critical spiritual exercises: solitude and silence, listening to God, reflection and meditation, and prayer. The desert fathers emphasized the need for silence, solitude, and inner peace, recognizing how noise disrupts spiritual growth. Mother Teresa echoed this, noting that God, a friend of silence, speaks to us in stillness.

Anecdotes illustrate these principles beautifully. Elijah found God in a whisper, not in the wind or earthquake. Missionary centers soundproof studios to eliminate city noise, symbolizing our need to shield our hearts from worldly distractions to hear God’s voice.

Jones also advocated for journaling as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. He discovered its value while reading a biography of a man who documented his spiritual journey. Jones began keeping a journal, recording thoughts, fears, hopes, and prayers, finding that it helped him listen to God and reflect on his life.

W. E. Sangster, another devoted Christian, used his journal to sharpen his thinking and discern God’s voice, revealing how journaling can aid in separating personal ambition from divine calling. Jones shared practical advice on journaling, emphasizing the importance of consistency and honesty.

In essence, Jones’s message is clear: cultivate your inner garden through solitude, silence, listening, reflection, and prayer. These spiritual disciplines help us internalize God’s words, making us resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Faith Over Adversity: Stanley Jones's Journey to Inner Strength

Bridget Herman once wrote about the saints, highlighting their leisureliness and effectiveness, which stemmed from their habit of referring even the smallest actions to God. They lived in God, free from self-regard and concern for others' opinions. This approach to life brought a unique distinction to their simplest actions, suggesting artistry in their living.

Prayer as worship and intercession, which Herman notes as a characteristic of sainthood, is crucial in enhancing communion with God. Thomas Kelly and Brother Lawrence both emphasized the importance of inward prayer, even suggesting that the Holy Spirit guides believers forward in their sleep. Despite its importance, many Christians, including pastors, struggle with maintaining a disciplined prayer life.

Several reasons contribute to the difficulty in prayer: it seems unnatural due to the effects of sin, it's an admission of personal weakness, and it often appears unrelated to actual results. Worship and intercession require overcoming the natural self's resistance and society's dismissal of spiritual activities. They also demand acknowledgment of our dependence on God, which can be challenging, especially for men conditioned to hide their weaknesses.

Brother Lawrence, who faced no issues acknowledging his weaknesses, had a vibrant prayer life because of this honesty. Prayers' apparent lack of immediate results can be discouraging. However, mature praying, as exemplified by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, aligns us with God's purposes rather than our own expectations.

To develop a disciplined prayer life, practical aspects like choosing the best time of day, finding a suitable posture, and keeping prayer lists are helpful. Samuel Logan Brengle's prayers, which included adoration and confession, show the depth and honesty required in effective prayer.

Rest, beyond mere leisure, is another essential aspect of a well-ordered private world. William Wilberforce, a Christian politician who led the fight against slavery, found that regular Sabbath rest helped maintain perspective and prevent burnout. Unlike leisure, which provides momentary relief, true rest restores the soul.

Biblical rest involves reflection on one's work, reaffirmation of eternal truths, and defining one's mission. It's about looking back to interpret work's meaning, returning to foundational truths to recalibrate the spirit, and setting intentions for the future.

Choosing to rest, like Charles Simeon did through self-humiliation and reflection on God's majesty, is vital. Sabbath rest, whether observed traditionally or adapted to personal rhythms, brings peace and restoration to the private world.

The spinning wheel, a symbol of balance for Gandhi, illustrates the need for a central grounding activity that keeps one humble and aligned with their true self. For Christians, this grounding is found in the ordered private world, where communion with God allows for effective public engagement and enduring resilience.

Can We Find Inner Peace Through Prayer and Rest Like Brother Lawrence and William Wilberforce?

Often, people may seem successful outwardly but may be neglecting their inner world, leading to emotional or spiritual collapse. This inner harmony is crucial for effectively managing external pressures. It’s essential to prioritize and nurture our inner selves to remain resilient and grounded.

Driven individuals, often under immense stress, chase achievements and external validation, neglecting their inner world. This can lead to severe health risks and a lack of fulfillment. In contrast, those who are "called" rather than "driven" find purpose and strength from within, allowing them to persevere through adversity.

Managing time effectively is another crucial aspect. Unmanaged time tends to flow toward our weaknesses, get influenced by dominant people around us, surrender to emergencies, and get invested in things that gain public acclamation. Understanding and planning around these factors can help us maximize our effectiveness and focus on what truly matters.

Intellectual growth is also vital. It involves disciplined study, listening, and reading to engage our minds fully and continually seek knowledge. This helps us contribute meaningfully to our world and deepen our connection with God.

Lastly, spiritual exercises such as solitude, silence, reflection, and prayer are essential for cultivating a resilient inner life. These practices help us internalize God's words and maintain inner peace amidst life's challenges. A disciplined prayer life and regular rest are necessary to maintain perspective and prevent burnout.

In short, maintaining a well-ordered private world through inner harmony, effective time management, intellectual growth, and spiritual disciplines enables us to face external pressures and live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

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