“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” - Romans 13:14 (ESV)

Introduction

In the pursuit of effective leadership, especially within a faith-based context, intentional decision-making emerges as a crucial theme. In this installment of the "UnStuck: 7 Steps to Freedom" series, we focus on two pivotal concepts: Starving the Flesh and Pre-Deciding. These principles not only guide self-leadership but also help in nurturing and influencing families and communities toward a life characterized by spiritual discipline and resilience against temptation.

As followers of Christ, leaders are called to live in a manner that reflects God's truth, love, and grace. By understanding and implementing the principles of starving the flesh and pre-deciding, leaders can foster environments that promote healthy living both personally and collectively. This blog post will delve into these concepts, illustrating their biblical foundation and practical applications for our lives today.

Starve the Flesh

Scriptural Insight:
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” - Romans 13:14 (ESV)

The first step in spiritual growth as a leader is actively denying the flesh and its desires. This means intentionally choosing to avoid situations or influences that may lead us into temptation. The focus here is not just on avoidance but on cultivating spiritual discipline that aligns our will with God’s.

• Biblical Example: Daniel exemplified this principle when he refused to eat the king’s food, demonstrating self-discipline and a commitment to holiness (Daniel 1:8). His choice to starve the flesh set a powerful standard for leadership, showing that when we prioritize our spiritual health, we can influence others positively.

• Significance: By actively putting these principles into practice, leaders gain a profound awareness of their weaknesses, which helps in building resilience against temptations. This awareness not only aids personal growth but also strengthens the spiritual fabric of their families and communities.

Pre-Decide

Scriptural Insight:
“For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

Pre-decision involves proactively making choices that guard against future temptations. This concept encourages leaders to think ahead about their responses to potential challenges and to create a roadmap for maintaining integrity and spiritual health.

• Biblical Example: Jesus faced temptations in the wilderness but had pre-decided how to respond by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). His advanced planning allowed Him to maintain His commitment to God, providing a powerful model for leaders today.

• Significance: By establishing a framework for action before temptation arises, leaders become better equipped to face challenges. This preparation is essential as it promotes integrity and protects against choices that might lead to spiritual bondage.

Benefits of Starving the Flesh and Pre-Deciding

1. Self-Leadership:
   Leaders who starve their flesh develop more profound resilience, enhancing their personal discipline and decision-making.

2. Family Leadership:
   When leaders model intentional decision-making, they encourage family members to cultivate similar habits, creating a unified approach to spiritual growth.

3. Leading Others:
   By fostering environments free from temptation, leaders empower those they guide to make healthier choices and experience significant personal transformation.

Practical Applications

Starving the Flesh:

• Environmental Evaluation: Identify areas in your life that may trigger sinful behavior. Make intentional changes to reduce or eliminate those influences.

• Boundary Setting: Establish "no-go" zones—scenarios and places where you commit not to engage in certain behaviors.

Pre-Deciding:

• Scenario Planning: Anticipate challenging situations you might encounter. Document your planned responses, ensuring clarity beforehand.

• Accountability Systems: Establish a support network to share your goals and decisions. Regular check-ins will affirm your commitment to personal and spiritual growth.

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Reflection Questions

1. What temptations do I encounter regularly, and how can I actively avoid them?

2. In what ways can I better prepare myself for potential challenges before they arise?

3. How can my commitment to starving the flesh and pre-deciding positively influence my family and community?

Action Plan

1. Daily Prayer and Reflection:

   • Spend 10-15 minutes in prayer, asking God for strength to starve the flesh. Reflect on Romans 13:14 to pinpoint specific areas where you struggle.

2. Implement Scenario Planning:

   • Create a written plan for responding to challenges that may arise. Involve your family in this process to foster collective accountability.

3. Regular Accountability Meetings:

   • Organize a weekly gathering with family or friends to discuss challenges and successes in applying these principles, focusing on spiritual growth and support.

Additional Resources

• Books:

  • “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness” by Timothy Keller

  • “Victory Over the Darkness” by Neil Anderson

• Bible Stories:

  • Daniel’s disciplined choice regarding the king’s food (Daniel 1)

  • Jesus’ resistance to temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4)

• Web Resources:

  • Bible Gateway for exploring Scripture further.

  • Focus on the Family for tools and support in family leadership.

Conclusion

The principles of Starving the Flesh and Pre-Deciding offer leaders essential strategies for walking in the freedom Christ provides. By intentionally avoiding sin and making conscious decisions beforehand, leaders not only enhance their spiritual journeys but also guide their families and communities toward growth in faith and resilience. Embracing these concepts equips us to lead effectively in a world rife with challenges, helping ourselves and those we influence to thrive in God’s purpose.

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