The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Nathan K. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Research - Self-Government
Self-government or the governing of one's self is a subject that demands attention. Unfortunately, humans fail to give this subject the consideration it warrants. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" The need for self-control is evident throughout this verse; our bodies are a temple in which God presides! This is an incredible thought. It is sobering to think of the many times I have defiled this holy place. Paul talks about need to control one’s body in 1 Corinthians 9:27 when he says: "But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Humans must constantly put down the thoughts of the flesh, and as it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." In James 3:6 it says: "And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell." The power of the tongue is enormous and it's impact on history is incomprehensible. Imagine the order from Pilate’s lips to crucify Jesus. What would have happened to the Christian faith if no one taught it? Proverbs 18:21 says "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life" says Proverbs 4:23. The heart of man is a fragile thing, both physically and spiritually. If you do not guard your heart - if you neglect, for but a moment that fragile barrier between God’s holy temple and the sin that so easily besets us - then ground will be lost. What we do not protect the devil will take. He is ever watchful, should not we also be? God wants all of us, so He can shape us and mold us into the individuals He intended us to be. Matthew 16:26 says "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" If we are not careful with our hearts in everyday life, how then will we be able to guard the heart when in a place of great power? Temptation is the devil's most powerful tool and although it in itself is not sin, it is only one step away. Proverbs 20:9 says: "Who can say, 'I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?'" Here God is saying "Watch over your heart with all diligence, but you will fall, you will struggle." Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned" and have fallen short of the glory of God. Thankfully, we have the hope that is found in Jesus Christ, Clinging to Him we cannot fail. This Bible study opened my eyes as to how much I need to control what comes out of my mouth. Matthew 12:34 says: "Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." If we cannot guard our hearts, how then will we be able to bridle the tongue? I strongly believe that the tongue is the most powerful force on earth, more powerful than Satan himself. Should not we as Christians use this power for the Glory of God? Yes, but many times we use it for our own purposes, for our own personal gain rather than God’s. We need to be living our lives wholly for God, doing good deeds in His name and for His Glory. "The praise of man is not what I seek, nor the flattery of loose lips. But for the hope of eternal life with a father who’s love knows no bounds."
