I know and hear daily of huge historical strides having been and being made by self-directed men. Men who lean on and live by the words and concept, “I am the captain of my soul.” We’ve probably all heard that quote a few times, especially this week. Life coaches and self-improvement masters from all walks, quote and requote and expound self mastery.
How crazy it is then, to continue to lean on God’s understanding, and reflect daily on “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” “.. do all things, though Him who strengthens…”
I am satisfied if most all the world thinks me crazy.
I’m concerned and believe we play with a dangerous fire when we try to weave the two together. I’m sure that “Christian Self-Mastery” books are skilled at making it sound like you can.
Certainly, if our soul is found shipwrecked and torn apart we can look at our own navigation and steering then, the Word warns us so, “holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,”. And certainly there is plenty for us to “do”, the New Testament is a fairly good sized book, filled with commandments and directives for us to heed. But the captain?
Jesus is the Captain of my soul.
I am nothing without him. Helpless and alone. Lost, afraid, naked. But in Him? Paul says, and we should all be able to say, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I’m quite certain that we can trot through life thinking that we have done all that we have done. That our education, our upbringing, our job, our determination, our drive, has gotten us all the good we have. Some of us think this harder and more adamantly than others. But in reality? In truth? Our very flesh, the air that we breathe, the food we eat, is held together, exists and feeds us, only by the grace of God. And He is full of grace.
