How to become strong in the ways of God

We’re to become strong in the ways of God (example: in gentleness; in quietness; in obedience). The bible pictures it like this in a couple different ways:

1. Like a grand, rock-solid tree: Deeply rooted in whatever concept and firmly built up in it – strong – so when the winds blow it is not shaken and thrown to the ground.
2. Like a well-built house: Structurally and soundly built up on top of a rock solid foundation, so when the rains come and the winds blow, it does not fall over.

How to become strong in the ways of God: form the concept in your mind, then “become” it.

1. Learning the concept: Quiet listening to learn what the concept (or way) is.
2. Forming the concept: Thinking deeply and meditating upon the concept for a long time until you can hear the word (say the concept is patience) and immediately comprehend what patience is.
3. “Becoming” the concept: Finally, exercise yourself in the concept – stop “overthinking” it now, and just “do” it. Become it. As James puts it: be a “doer” of it, not merely a listener/thinker, quickly forgetting what was said to you. As Paul puts it: “exercise” your spirit in these things, making it strong, just as exercise naturally does.

Examples:

• Gentleness:

1. Listen to what gentleness is: Being soft and slow in thought, word and action. The opposite of harsh, rushed and forceful.
2. Form the concept in your spirit: Go slow and overthink and meditate on being gentle in every action you take until you can hear the word “gentle” and immediately understand what gentleness is.
3. “Become it”: Stop “thinking” about being gentle and just “be” gentle. Over time you will become strong in it.

• Patience:

1. Listen to what patience is: Infinitely waiting for others to finish what they’re doing, giving them all the time they need, without freaking out.
2. Form the concept in your spirit: Go slow and overthink and meditate on being patient in every interaction you experience – even with your technology – until you can hear the word “patient” and immediately understand what patience is.
3. “Become it”: Stop “thinking” about being patient and just “be” patient. Over time you will become strong in it.

• Obedience:

1. Listen to what obedience is: Knowing how to be led and taken care of. Being a good follower. Doing what all others command you to do. Being passive, yielding and submissive to all others. (Obviously obeying children and ungodliness excepted.)
2. Form the concept in your spirit: Go slow and overthink and meditate on being submissive and obedient in every interaction you have – even with your technology – until you can hear the word “obedient” and immediately understand what obedience is.
3. “Become it”: Stop “thinking” about being submissive and obedient and just “be” submissive and obedient. Over time you will become strong in it.

Forming the concept to where you understand it like the back of your hand, on-the-fly, off the top of your head, without thinking about it, is the longest and hardest part.