Will Power vs. Values Power

If I decide that I am going to start saving money, or stop using tobacco, or be nicer, or stop beating the dog, I am not likely to be successful if I have only had a change of mind, and not had a change of values. If I am not going to beat the dog anymore, but then the dog chews up my $30 shirt, the dog might get a beating.

If I have a change in my values system, and have decided that beating the dog only makes me feel better for a little while, but doesn’t change the dog’s behavior, I will look for a way to change the dog rather than just punish the dog. If I have decided that sugar is really bad for my health, and I actually believe it, I can use that truth to resist the addiction cravings for sugar. If I am not really convinced at a values level, sugar wins.

Adam and Eve were not convinced that Yahweh is always trustworthy, no matter who says otherwise. This weakness made their enemy able to deceive them. If I am convinced that every nasty thing that happens in my life can be a baptism through which I can find benefit and promotion, I can face any challenge with faith that my God is by my side and in my spirit, with intentions of always blessing me and providing me eternal benefits.

My will power doesn’t increase with the calendar changing from December to January. Rounding back up to the starting gate to begin the same race on the same horse will not be likely to cause the race to end anyway but the same way. Having the value of the race change from the prize being $20 to the prize being that my daughter lives instead of dying will likely change the outcome.

My faith is charged when I understand the value a situation has in the Kingdom, which is eternal. Things that are temporary don’t distract me as quickly if I see their value in the Kingdom. Things that are valuable to you become more valuable to me when I love you. That can change the way I live. Nothing is more valuable than seeing Jesus be satisfied with my life.