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New Post has been published on https://www.crownofcompassion.org/2018/07/18/mastering-the-inner-game-godward-thoughts/
Mastering the inner game - Godward thoughts
ā[The apostle] Paul had mastered the inner game.Ā His thoughts and desires ran constantly Godward.Ā And he found himself as an old man in prison more alive than he had ever been.ā- John Ortberg
āTherefore we do not lose heart.Ā Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.ā- 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
In Chapter 4 (āMaster the Inner Gameā) of When the Game is Over, John Ortberg notes that two parts comprise every game.Ā Whether itās an athletic game or life itself, thereās an outer game and an inner game.
Outer Game
played against an external opponent to overcome external obstacles and to reach an external goal
mastered as the player learns to swing a racquet, club, or bat
what people see; what they admire, disdain, or ignore
Inner Game
played against nervousness, doubt, and self-condemnation
requires the offering of the will and the focus of the mind
victories provide the source of all true joy and growth
Furthermore, Pastor Ortberg notes, other people or forces possess the ability to coerce the outer you.Ā However, the inner you possesses freedom of choice.Ā Also, while the outer you is temporary, the inner you is eternal.
Most noteworthy, John states, throughout the process of life, your inward character (spirit) becomes either something unbelievably good or something unimaginably dark.Ā And your inward character represents the main thing God sees when He looks at you.Ā Itās what matters most to Him.
As 1 Samuel; 16:7 reminds us ā āThe LORD does not look at the things man looks at.Ā Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.ā
In conclusion, Pastor Ortberg adds, although we live and die in time, we look forward to eternal glory.
Todayās question: What Bible verses help you in mastering the inner game?Ā Please share.
Tomorrowās blog: āThe visible condition of our soulsā


















