spirit of power, love, & self-discipline

"but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline..." @ 2 Timothy 1:7. A spirit of power. Not the electrical-kind, allowing thousands of homes to be heated, to be lit, to be self-sufficient. Not the intoxicating, controlling, seducing kind that puts others down; that is centered on vanity, pride, and self. But the power to be love. The power to be disciplined. The power to live out the God-centered, Kingdom-building mission of Jesus Christ.

A spirit of love. Love puts others first, love endures all things, love is freely given and expects nothing in return, love is hope-filled, time-tested, all-encompassing. Love is a choice. And if a spirit of love binds, it is indestructible.

A spirit of self-discipline. Go ahead. Challenge God. Give it your best shot. Read the bible again and again. Test what it says. Pray without ceasing. Ask. Knock. Relentlessly pursue. Dare to be the best and watch Him take that effort, that self-discipline and move mountains, heal others, find peace, serve out justice. Watch Him alter your course, build your adventure, tailor fit your skill set, overwhelm you with all He has.