What an Awesome Book!

  Written by Raquel Joya on Nov 4, 2008 1:20 am

Read More: Discipline  |  Mindset  |  Personal Development  |  Positive Thinking

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Hey Guys,

I just finished reading "The Kingship of Self-Control" by Michael George Jordan.  Wow, what a great read.  He elaborates on 8 elements that make up self-control; how each affects our lives and how we can conquer them and use them to our advantage.  He titles each one like so:

1. The Crimes of the Tongue
2. The Red Tape of Duty
3. The Supreme Charity of the World
4. Worry, the Great American Disease
5. The Greatness of Simplicity
6. Living Life Over Again
7. Syndicating Our Sorrows
8. The Revelations of Reserve Power.

All of these, to me, were very profound. But I'll tell about two, in which he gave a me a different prospective about, and allowed me to now understand more clearly. 

Worry, as Jordan defines, is "The dominance of the mind by a single vague, restless, unsatisfied, or fearful idea." He states two reasons for why we should not worry at times of adversity.  One is because we cannot not change the results that we so much fear (it's that a relief just thinking about it? Wow it is to me!).  So if we cannot dodge the painful result, then we will need all the power inside of us to withstand going through the obstacle.  Second, if we are able to prevent the negative result, then worrying would only make us waste valuable energy that could be used to avail the circumstance to not end with a discouraging result.  Either reason allows no room for excuses to be made in order to justify a worry. Great Chapter!

The second chapter that made me think of my actions and, therefore, gain self-control was 'The Red Tape of Duty.'  Every action we take resides within it an empty vacancy of meaning when we call it merely our 'job.'  For example, when we say, "I gave this gift because it was my job to do so."  What we call our 'job' is nothing more than just sour action that lacks sense of inspiration to humanity.  Our actions made with love inspire, encourage and strength the souls of individuals whom we have influence over.  Meaning if and when we execute activities with love as our primary motive, it is no longer perceived as a job, but instead a privilege; whether it's hosting a gathering, or giving a gift, washing dishes, or even raising a child.  The new perspective that Jordan presents, gives me something to think about even when I tithe; Am I doing it out of love for God and his Kingdom or do I feel that it is my job?

Well, it definitely won't be the last time I read over this book; that's for sure =)

Your Partner in Success,

Raquel Joya

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