Willpower

“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness ereign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” - Romans 5:15-17

Willpower is the control exerted to do something or restrain impulses.  Scientists further describe willpower as being the ability to delay gratification, resisting short-term temptations in order to meet long-term goals. And also as the capacity to override an unwanted thought, feeling, or impulse. When reading all this, it is clear that willpower is what it takes for us to do something that we don’t want to do or do something that we aren’t used to doing. Humans need willpower to change anything about themselves. How do you use your willpower? When someone is wanting to not eat sugar they use their willpower to stay strong in moments they are tempted with sugar. When someone is running a race, when their body gets tired, they use their willpower to stay strong to finish. We use willpower to see the outcome of our hard work and determination. Willpower helps us see the good at the end of the temptation and not focus on the temptation itself. Saying no a piece of cake might seem hard in the moment but when the temptation passes, you are so proud you did it and it makes it much easier the next time. If you keep running the race, it’s difficult in the moment but when you cross the finish line, you are overcome with joy because you didn’t quit. And it will be a much easier race the next time.

Let’s talk about willpower in the sense of doing what God wants us to do versus what our body wants us to do. Our bodies don’t like to do the right thing. God’s will is for us to always do the right thing. The devil’s will is for us to follow his ways. God trusted Adam to do the right thing but instead he chose to do what the devil wanted. Satan tempted Eve, Eve gave in, Adam joined her, Adam blamed her, Adam felt guilty for going against God, so Adam hid from God. The devil’s will was done. When we let our bodies win over God’s will, we hide from God. We run from him. We sometimes go as far as to blame God and say he isn’t there for us anymore, but we are actually the ones hiding from him under our sin. So what did our perfect father in heaven do? He sent his son to die for our sins so we have a chance to reveal ourselves back to Him, but also to show us an example of perfect willpower. Jesus was tested and every time he chose God’s will over the body’s wants. He stayed focused on the future (which God promises is good at Jeremiah 29:11) and didn’t let temptation overcome him in the moment. He let his willpower advance him out of all attacks of the devil.

You have the choice in every situation to go the Adam route or the Jesus route. Instant gratification for the body OR delayed gratification for the soul. Keep the faith to do the right thing! Use your willpower to do God’s will.

“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:25-26