Mastering Self: A Biblically Based Commentary

By Donald G. Hanna

Mastering self is commitment to a cause with conviction of conscience that transcends self. Mortal self is created by the person—distinct from immortal soul created by God. Self is courted by culture and politics with a propensity to ignore the lessons of history and practical philosophy by replacing timeless virtues with personal values. Consequently, mastering self has cultural, political, historical, philosophical, and theological implications.

Our culture is consumed by idols, materialism, technology gadgets, and entertainment whereby the mindset of most persons is entitlement to benefits provided by government or employer. Most of us live like kings with income and wealth compared to the rest of the world. Check globalrichlist.com to remove any doubt. But what about the immortal soul? Most in our culture ignore this question. Mastering self doesn’t ignore it.

Mastering self involves an understanding that doesn’t exist naturally in the human condition. It is cultivated by lifelong learning. This book is for serious thinkers who want to clarify their worldview and become what they should be. It consists of timeless truths and virtues for reference or contemplative study. Understanding them strengthens personal relations. Embracing them increases personal influence. Practicing them benefits anyone responsible for other people. Believing them promotes interpersonal skills. Living them cultivates character.

This book consists of 177 one-page essays—white papers that provide insight regarding basic issues in life: written for concise, clear construct and context and organized for coherence and continuity. These papers result from a deep conviction that God counsels and confides in those who fear Him (Ps. 25:14). They are the product of my reading, teaching, writing, and pondering to keep my heart with all diligence regarding issues in life (Prov. 4:23): contemplation of soul in solitude. Some are politically incorrect, viz., those regarding the culture and the federal government with its debt: written by an old curmudgeon, gadfly, and stager with old-school insight and stubborn ideas about stubborn facts about stubborn problems. Stager is an appropriate appellation—experienced through many battles, some literal, during 32 years of law enforcement: 24 as police chief managing police affairs in an urban area with a large university.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973679950

Donald G. Hanna

Donald G. Hanna has thirty-two years experience in policing and teaching command officers at police academies, plus fourteen years teaching leadership and police courses at a university. He was police chief twenty-four years in two Illinois cities and at Ohio State University. His experience provides a practitioner’s perspective for this commentary. He earned a BA in police administration from Indiana University and an MA in public administration from the University of Illinois. Scotland by heritage, Indiana by birth, and Hoosier by the grace of God.

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Books by the Author

A Police Chief’s Handbook: Developmental and Power Management

How to Manage Your Police Department: Handbook for Citizens, City Officials, and Police Managers

Police Executive Leadership

Criminal Law for Illinois Police

Mastering Self: to Lead Self and Others

Books Coauthored

A Guide to Primary Police Management Concepts with William Gentel

Modern Police Management and Organization with Victor Cizanckas

A Law Handbook for Ohio Law Enforcement Officers with John Kleberg

A Law Handbook for Illinois Police with John Kleberg

A Police Records System for the Small Department with John Kleberg

MASTERING

Self

A BIBLICALLY BASED COMMENTARY

Donald G. Hanna

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Copyright © 2019 Donald G. Hanna.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Unless marked otherwise, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ISV are taken from The Holy Bible: International Standard Version. Release 2.0, Build 2015.02.09. Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7994-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7993-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7995-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019918661

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/2/2019

For My Precious Barbara

the Lady of My Life —

Soulmate and Kindred Spirit

Prudence

Walls have ears and keyholes eyes,

and every closet has its spies.

Each with a tale or two to tell,

on surmise or innuendo they dwell.

Aspersion here and calumny there,

always a rumor or two to share.

But truth is best to cover lies,

and integrity is the best disguise.

So I choose with care the words I say,

and make them soft and sweet.

For I don’t know from day to day,

what words I’ll have to eat.

For if my lips should keep from slips,

five things observe with care:

of whom I speak,

to whom I speak,

and how, and when, and where.

DGH

Contents

Books by the Author

Dedication

Preface

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Part 1 :   Culture, Politics, History, and Philosophy

The White Paper Connection

Life’s Great Divide

Knowing Now and Then

Self, Soul, and Spirit

The Mind, Absolutes, and Rational Thought

Contemplative Thoughts

Thought Life

Thought Life: Revisited

Chambers of the Mind

Continual Struggle

Discern the Times

Wisdom from Proverbs

Three Stoic Disciplines

Disciplined Choice

The Stoic’s Achilles’ Heel

The Ancient Stoics

Perspective

Calling in Life

Chasing My Dream

A Noble Ambition

Hard and Easy Decisions

A Little Evil for a Greater Good

Legal, Non-Negotiable Force

The Coherence of Justice

The God of Justice

The Ultimate Duty

The Puritan Ethic

The Covenanter and the Puritan Writers

The Scot Covenanters

Plain Honest Thinking

Change

Against All Odds

The Electoral College

Commentary

Another Commentary

More Commentary

Further Commentary

Political Correctness

Lessons from the Kings

The High Places

Lessons from History

Socrates and the Sophists

Study History

Thinking Historically

Rebels from History

The Warrior Ethos

Watchword

A Character Study

Character Traits

The Human Condition

The Rebel

Two Types of People

Mutual Exclusivity

Teaching Points in Life

Teaching

The Trivium

Figurative Meaning of Words

The Spirit of 1776

Slavery

Financial Prudence

Fiscal Insanity

Self-Appraisal

The Nonconformist

A Passion to Gamble

The Pharisee, Pagan, and Philistine

Teraphim

Fantasyland

Mistakes

Assumptions

Conclusions

Desires and Decisions

Procrastination

Chess Applied to Life

The Chessboard

The Other Side of Education

Career

Conclusions from My Police Career

Solitude

Pensive Contemplation

They Call Me Chief

Reunions

Recalling to Mind

Nepenthes

Pensive Solitude

Change in Life

September

My Precious Barbara

Grieving

Questions for a Soulmate in Heaven

A Perspective on Gratitude

A Perspective on Privilege

Hanna’s Maxim

Eulogy

Part 2 :   White Papers pertaining to Theology

The Disciples’ Prayer

Hallow God’s Name

The Names of God

Praise and Petition of Prayer

The Privilege of Prayer

Study

God’s Eternal Covenant

God’s Providence

Amazing Providence

God’s Eternal Decree

God’s Eternal Decree: a Postscript

God’s Word

God’s Will

God’s Great Salvation

Spiritual Freedom

Five Recurring Themes of Scripture

Scripture Authenticated

A Religionist Compared to a Biblicist

The Battle Within

Sins

Quicken My Conscience

Total Corruption

Total Corruption: a Postscript

The Chosen

Chosen by God

Chosen by God: an Overview

Privileged

Predestination

Eschatology

The Momentous Transition

Whosoever

Belief-Based Repentant Faith

Three Critical Elements of Faith

The Existence of God

God’s Self-Revelation

The Value of Scripture

The Incomparable Logos

God’s Revelation: General and Specific

The Greek Philosophers

The Anthropic Principle

The Essence of God

The Eternal Judge and His Moral Code

The Courtroom of the Eternal Judge

The Eternal Judge and His Justice

The Forensics of God’s Law

The Forensics of God’s Salvation

The Order of Salvation

Reconciliation

God’s Three Basic Covenants

A Chronological Overview

The Warrior-King

The Warrior-King’s Battles

The Warrior-King’s Kingdom

The Warrior-King’s Offices

The Warrior-King’s Law and Justice

The Warrior-King: a Postscript

Moshia

Avoid Deception

The Kingdom Parables

The Kingdom Offer and the Salvation Offer

The Kingdom’s Entrance Requirements

The Kingdom of God

Fit for the King

A Kindred Spirit

Shepherds and Discernment

The Six Trials of Yeshua

The Covenant of Peace

The Spirit of God

Present and Future Heaven

My Hope

Body and Soul

The Faculties of the Soul

The Glorified Soul

The Intermediate Body

The Image of God

Light

Biblical Anthropology

God’s Masterpieces

Duty

Glorifying God

God’s Glory

Knowing Yeshua as Lord

An Intellectual Inquiry

Yeshua’s Atoning Blood

Mastering Self: a Postscript

Preface

Mastering self is commitment to a cause with conviction of conscience that transcends self. Mortal self is created by the person—distinct from immortal soul created by God. Self is courted by culture and politics with a propensity to ignore the lessons of history, practical philosophy, and bible by replacing timeless virtues with personal values. Consequently, mastering self has cultural, political, historical, philosophical, and theological implications.

Our culture is consumed by idols, materialism, technology gadgets, and entertainment where the mindset of many persons is entitlement to benefits provided by government or employer. Most of us live like kings with income and wealth compared to the rest of the world. Check globalrichlist.com to remove any doubt. We live in a culture consumed with consumption, possessed by possessions, and preoccupied with pastimes that indulge self. But what about the immortal soul? Most in our culture ignore this question. Mastering self doesn’t ignore it.

National politics is populated by politicians instead of statesmen: most of whom promote disunity, have a personal agenda for re-election, and accumulate personal wealth. They appeal to a majority of an undiscerning electorate through entitlements and programs that increase an insane level of debt. Most politicians and electorate think erroneously that America is exempt from the lessons of history. Consequently, they do not think historically.

The spirit of the times is an intersection of ideas, issues, and intentions most of which reject the influence and inspiration of timeless truth and virtue based on philosophy and theology. Philosophy is the the search for wisdom: the Greek roots philo (love) and sophos (wisdom). Theology is the study of God: the Greek roots theos (God) and ology (study). The source for wisdom and study must be based on absolute truth: a casualty of the times. Absolute truth, revealed by omniscient God, provides wisdom that deepens the understanding and meaning of life.

Mastering self involves interpretation of information, issues, ideas, and ideals for cogent context and construct to provide coherence and continuity in a lifelong journey this side life’s great divide. This odyssey has a cultural, political, historical, philosophical, and theological nexus: each with implicit or explicit significance for well-being of soul. Mastering self involves an understanding that doesn’t exist naturally in the human condition. It is cultivated by lifelong learning. This book is for serious thinkers who want to clarify their worldview with a biblical basis and become what they should be. It consists of timeless truths and virtues for reference or contemplative study. Understanding them strengthens personal relationships. Embracing them increases personal influence. Practicing them benefits anyone responsible for other people.

This book consists of 177 one-page essays—white papers to convey my conclusions from intellectual inquiry: an intersection of issues, ideas, and ideals that inform, instruct, or inspire. These papers provide concise, clear, and cogent argument. They were written initially to clarify my worldview beliefs and core ethos juxtaposed with God’s Word and manner of living. Some were shared with my students during 14 years as professor at a small liberal arts college teaching police and law courses: some were shared with 100 persons in 20 states. Then 275, regarding leadership and issues in life, were published in my last book Mastering Self subtitled to Lead Self and Others: a book that concludes with my Scot heritage and memoirs as a police chief and police professor. Since publication another 177 papers provide the basis for this book with the same title but subtitled a Biblically Based Commentary.

Part 1 includes papers related to culture, politics, history, or philosophy: organized for coherence and continuity. Those related to culture focus on aspects arrayed against well-being of soul: what doesn’t edify. Those related to politics have a cultural context because politics is determined and driven by culture. Some papers present aspects of history beneficial personally, and others relate to lessons from history. Those related to philosophy have a practical focus that applies to daily living: truth, reality, logic, decisions, ethics, casuistry, political persuasion, and aesthetics, viz., true beauty and taste in literature, music, and art. Part 1 concludes with a eulogy to a warrior.

Part 2 presents papers related to theology. Some are arranged by topic and some in sequence, viz., those regarding the eternal Judge and a series pertaining to the future Warrior-King. Included are two comprehensive papers, five pages each, for serious thinkers who want to understand the forensic and judicial purpose of Yeshua’s death compared with His blood—the cross with the mercy seat: appeasement with atonement. Part 2 concludes with a postscript.

These papers are intended to be read separately for contemplation: perused with reflection that may call for a second or third reading, viz., those intended to stretch the mind. They may be read consecutively or selectively regarding personal interest. The diverse scope of this commentary may overwhelm: another reason to read one paper at a time: even though a single page. Hopefully word choice doesn’t diminish concentration. Tolle lege.

These papers result from a deep conviction that God counsels and confides in those who fear Him (Ps. 25:14). They are the product of my reading, teaching, writing, and pondering to keep my heart with all diligence regarding issues in life (Prov. 4:23): contemplation of soul in solitude. Some are politically incorrect, viz., those pertaining to the culture and the federal government with its debt: written by an old curmudgeon, gadfly, and stager with old-school insight and stubborn ideas about stubborn facts about stubborn problems. Stager is an appropriate appellation—experienced through many battles during 32 years of law enforcement: 24 as police chief leading and managing police affairs in an urban area with a large university in three cities. Some battles were literal, viz., during one of the most disruptive decades on the domestic scene in American history fifty years ago.

Mastering self is a lifelong endeavor—a journey that involves journaling through white papers to clarify my basic beliefs and principles that form my code of conduct: what to follow after, fight for, flee from, and be faithful to. This journey requires discerning the times (Lk. 12:56) and understanding the lay of the land (Jer. 12:11): what to shun, avoid, embrace, exploit, and not ignore. These conditions and circumstances provide construct and context during the conflict that confronts in a culture consumed with consumption and credit (aka debt)—and addicted to large screens permeated with noise pollution and small screens with pulp trash that compete with well-being of soul by promoting self: self-fulfillment, self-indulgence, and self-gratification.

Mastering self requires understanding two critical distinctions: God or self? Providence or culture? Who and what take priority make all the difference. Self, consumed in a culture that promotes self and ignores God, is different from one who truly knows self—because he or she knows who and what God is. What is often considered as culturally driven—marketing, advertising, entertainment, politics, and even the church—is actually God’s unfolding providence with a nation that has abandoned Him: whereby He permits that nation to go its own way with consequences such as legalized abortion, same-sex marriage, transgender delusion, and removing the Ten Commandments from public buildings, the bible and prayer from public schools, and persons from public employment positions for practicing their faith—or threatening them with litigation that impinges on the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and foreshadows a collision course before the Supreme Court.

For the purpose of full disclosure: My spiritual pedigree is Publican: pardoned by his penitential plea to God—Be merciful to me a sinner. My heritage is Scotland—26th generation and significant for influence within the Covenanter-Puritan tradition. My conscience has a faithful companion—the Scot within. My education is lifelong learning—a gentleman scholar. My worldview is biblical—an interpretative lens to discern truth and reality. My theological persuasion is biblicist—not religionist. My political persuasion is very conservative—at odds with a bloated, federal bureaucracy and deficit spending. My social persuasion is self-reliance—not self-sufficiency. My lifestyle is simplicity—not clutter. My financial prudence is practical—keep the bureaucrats, brokers, and bankers away from my billfold. My economy is frugal—use it up, wear it out, make do, do without. My preference is edification—not trivia. My interests include chess and great books—a bibliophile. My taste embraces aesthetics—discriminating discernment for true excellence and beauty in music, art, and literature. My mindset is skeptical—inclined to doubt and question. My philosophy is Stoic—disciplined choice for what really matters. My perspective is old school—timeless truths and virtues. My pastime is armchair theologian, backseat philosopher, and amateur historian. These factors determine what follows in this biblically based commentary regarding Mastering Self.

He who stays

in the counsel chamber

of God

must be strong

in willing to do right,

keep the faith,

defend the cause,

and

stay the course.

DGH

Acknowledgement and appreciation

are sincerely given to

my daughter Nancy

for her

invaluable assistance

in

obtaining and photographing the

Hanna tartan

for the

book cover.

Introduction

Mastering self. Often desired. Seldom achieved. Easier said than done. It is an arduous, lifelong process of becoming. Self is the combination of characteristics that distinguish a person with distinctive individuality: nature, character, qualities, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, and demeanor within the context of becoming—growing and developing. To completely be is unachieved in the human condition this side life’s great divide—only realized the other side. Becoming this side is preparing for the other side. Mastering self is direction—not perfection: a lifelong journey—not destination. Journey is this side the divide—destination the other side. As a sojourner this side the divide, the journey and direction require frequent sessions in God’s counsel chamber. Counsel is the accurate term for His chamber, not council. His chamber is a special place to receive His counsel: superior to a council of persons whose desire for collegiality, consensus, and compromise often replace critical thinking. These sessions provide perspective for the journey and foundation for a life worth living based on timeless truths and virtues.

Self is not synonymous with soul. Self is mortal: made by the person. Soul is immortal: created by God (Gen. 2:7)—not temporal and physical, but immaterial: the inner real person. Soul is described interchangeably in Scripture with spirit, mind, or heart for definitive revelation and comprehensive fullness. Soul and spirit are not separate entities any more than thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

A person is material (physical body) and immaterial (soul). A soul is the seat of the conscience, intellect, volition, and emotions. A living human body houses a soul (Mt. 10:38; Dan. 7:15)—whose natural condition is spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1) until regenerated by God’s Spirit (Jn. 3:8). Spiritually dead separates from God the other side the divide. Spiritually alive reconciles with Him the other side. Converting a soul is His miracle of a moment, but mastering self is a task of a lifetime.

A distinctive characteristic of self is nature: the fundamental flaw inherited from our original progenitors. The inherited, corrupt nature (Eph. 4:22) persists with priorities, pursuits, passions, and propensities antithetical to true basic needs of the soul. Much will be stated in this commentary about the inherited, corrupt nature: wherein sin permeates every fiber of body and faculty of soul. Sin enslaves until a renewed mind (Rom. 12:2), regenerated by God’s Spirit (Jn. 3:8), refocuses and reorders to break old patterns and practices—not perfection, but direction whereby the corrupt nature of self becomes less prevalent. A renewed mind is not encumbered with unedifying clutter of a culture addicted to pulp video that replaces excellent, extraordinary books as faithful companions and counselors. These sentences resonate with relevance. Learn them well as the prerequisite for mastering self.

Mastering self is not seeking a higher self: a purported eternal, omniscient being as the real self. Higher self is a new name for an old practice condemned by God (Lev. 19:31, 20:6): channeling whereby a person is controlled by a spirit for communication. Higher self is prevalent as evidenced by a search engine revealing 748 million results, and 35 million for channeling. Higher self replaces God as the source of true knowledge about basic needs of the soul. In its natural state, a spiritually dead soul cannot discern its true needs—and self is incapable of changing its corrupt nature. Understanding this truth is a prerequisite for mastering self. Learn it well.

Mastering self requires regeneration and enablement from a transcendent source—God. When God’s Spirit regenerates a soul with a renewed mind, an understanding of self begins—a learning process with reordered priorities. Understanding self cannot occur when enslaved to sin. Knowing, learning, and mastering self requires a master model—the quintessential archetype revealed in Scripture as Yeshua: a fascinating character study in two advents as Savior and future Warrior-King Who will establish His kingdom and justice as explacated in expository fashion subsequently in this commentary.

Clarifying your worldview and core ethos is crucial to mastering self. Both must be based on presumption instead of assumption. Presumption takes for granted as true what is based on evidence. Assumption takes for granted as true (often mistakenly) what is not based on evidence. Discern the difference! Presumption is a term used throughout this book. It is a legal term for an inference of truth that has an evidential basis for a reasonable conclusion of truth. That basis for inference is an antecedent truth. To infer is to conclude truth from evidence. Your worldview and core ethos must be based on evidential presumptions—not assumptions. Worldviews are determined by the conclusion to a basic question—does God exist? Some persons conclude He exists based on evidence. Some conclude He exists based on faith. Others ignore the evidence and assume God doesn’t exist. Others don’t care and live a lifestyle that focuses on self. A person who concludes from evidential presumptions that God exists will have a different worldview than one who doesn’t.

Mastering self requires a vertical worldview perspective—biblical and definitive. Horizontal worldview makes only two distinctions—sacred or secular. Sacred applies to eternal, spiritual, and immutable. Secular applies to temporal, material, and mutable. Vertical worldview poses a critical question: Does manner of living conform or conflict with God’s Word? Vertical worldview cuts through all aspects of life and divides into two basic categories: conform or conflict. All aspects of life include self, spouse, marriage, sexual intimacy, home, family, career, work, church, education, money, investments, tithing, giving, possessions, stewardship, literature, music, art, entertainment, recreation, leisure, thoughts, decisions, and deeds. All aspects? Indeed! If these conform, they are right. If they conflict, they are wrong. This conform–conflict distinction is crucial for worldview.

Topic repetition occurs in this book for emphasis including edification, life’s great divide, and the great transaction. Edification is what improves spiritually, intellectually, and morally. It invariably has an experiential and educative basis with a reformed theological and practical philosophical underpinning. Reformed pertains to the five solas and five distinctives of the Reformation as explacated in this book. Practical is that applicable to daily, wise manner of living with cultivated aesthetic tastes in literature, music, and arts. Passions, pastimes, and pursuits in life must edify the soul. If they do not, they must be changed for well-being of the soul this side the divide in preparation for the other side.

The divide implies separation—one state of existence from another that cannot be reversed: a vast divide traversed in a moment. It is universal—all persons traverse it: a common denominator in life as the ultimate experience. The divide can be distilled into a single, cogent word: death. The divide is presented in comparative context: this side with the other side. This side has temporal implications: the other eternal. Preparing to cross is the first step in learning to live. Mastering self this side has implications for the other side. Education, experience, duty, responsibility, adversity, and vicissitudes this side prepare for the other side.

The transaction is a momentous exchange that occurred at the cross: Yeshua’s perfect righteousness for a believer’s death penalty—a judicial declaration by God whereby covered with His righteousness (Isa. 61:10) justifies and provides legal standing before God the other side the divide. Yeshua’s death eliminated a universal legal jeopardy for violating God’s moral law—but created another jeopardy for not believing and confessing Him as Lord. Restatement: His removal of the first jeopardy created a second jeopardy that condemns.

My comments identify four persons who populate our culture: Pharisees, Pagans, Philistines, and Publicans: old biblical terms, but still applicable and relevant. Pharisees are preoccupied with pride and pretentious performance: hypocritical religionists with rules, rites, rituals, and recitations. They do not practice what they profess. Pagans are preoccupied with pleasure and all its passion and preference. Philistines are preoccupied with possessions and pursuits that do not edify. Sometimes all three are collectively referred to as Sheeple: a flock and herd mentality—undiscerning. These three in the culture are not the enemy. They are the mission field. My comments are not derogatory against their person, but against their preoccupation and practice. My assertions are not intended to disparage their person, but disagree with their priorities and pursuits. As persons, they are not inferior to me. Cogently stated, two Hanna maxims: Not wrong to better self, but very wrong to think self better. Not wrong to be worthy of the best, but very wrong to think self more worthy than the rest.

The Pharisee, Pagan, and Philistine within personify my flawed, fallible condition. They are descriptive metaphors that represent my inherited, corrupt nature—and its vulnerability to all in our culture that does not edify my soul. Avoid their priorities, pursuits, practices, pastimes, passions, propensities, and preoccupations. Be in the culture, but not of it.

Publicans were hated tax collectors who represented Rome—pariahs in Jewish culture. The Publican is justified by his penitential plea to God (Lk. 18:14). He is part of God’s redeemed remnant (Mic. 7:18). His plea to God distinguishes him from the other three. His priorities, preferences, and practices shun those of the other three. Publicans populate our culture, but they are the minority. They remain true to God and avoid all that dishonors Him in religion, education, entertainment, and lifestyle—all that does not edify the soul. They avoid what detracts from traditional family values. They shun whatever is promoted by media, publishing, film, music, entertainment, and gaming industries that does not inspire the soul, promote timeless virtue, or cultivate aesthetic taste.

Publicans leave churches that deviate from God’s Word for those that remain true. If none remain in the area, they meet for bible study. They leave public schools for home schooling to protect the minds and values of their children. They take responsibility for biblical instruction of their children. They downscale to avoid financial imprudence. They live within their income. They embrace simplicity in manner of living. They fear the Lord in reverential trust and obedience (Eccl. 12:13). They are attracted to Him with awe for His sovereign majesty with amazement for His grace, mercy, and providence. They are apprehensive about offending or being ungrateful to Him. They are God’s remnant in the culture, but not of it—non-conformists (Rom. 12:2).

Becoming a Publican is the essence of mastering self—a process this side the divide that prepares for the other side. This process provides contentment that balances comforts and conveniences with conditions and concerns—a well stablished conviction that providence has its course superintended by a sovereign God Who does what He pleases (Eccl. 8:3) according to His will (Eph. 1:11).

As previously stated, mastering self is easier said than done. It requires serious study and contemplation. The white papers in this commentary are topics for reference and thoughtful study. They are intended to stimulate your thinking and commitment to mastering self. They provide a relevant resource to educate your mind, encourage your heart, exalt your spirit, and edify your soul by providing purpose and perspective. Submission to Yeshua as Lord is the key to mastering self. He alone is the master model.

Part 1

White Papers

pertaining to

Culture, Politics, History,

and

Philosophy

The White Paper Connection

My white papers result from thinking and writing to refine my convictions—a continual struggle between confusion and clarity for a convincible, conclusive, and cogent connection among conscience, conviction, and consequence that cultivates character and code of conduct. Connection is a logical sequence of relational, rational thought that provides construct and context for coherence and continuity. A white paper is a document describing intellectual-inquiry findings—an intersection of ideas, issues, and ideals that inform, instruct, and inspire based on timeless truth and virtue. So, the paper connection has rational purpose—an intellectual exercise to inform my soul: thoughts, values, beliefs, desires, distinctions, and decisions that edify.

My papers are for my benefit to end or reduce my doubt and uncertainty—and clarify my worldview. Some are incorrect politically—written by a curmudgeon and gadfly with stubborn ideas about stubborn facts that reveal stubborn problems, viz., aspects of our culture disconnecting from objective reality: spiritually, morally, and financially. Some are shared. Others bare my soul as personal and private—my eyes only. They began as thoughts shared with my students: then transcended into my previous book Mastering Self—and continue to be written for a pleasant pastime as armchair theologian, backseat philosopher, and amateur historian.

Theology and philosophy are instructive words from their Greek derivation. Theos means God. Ology means branch of knowledge or learning. Theology is learning about God. Philo means love and sophy means wisdom. Philosophy is loving wisdom—the right use of knowledge for right decisions in skilled manner of living. My pastime is learning from the God of Wisdom (Job 12:13; Prov. 2:6)—for the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10): an attraction to Him with awe for Who He is and amazement for what He does.

Wisdom in Hebrew pertains to wise manner of living—a casualty in today’s culture. Wisdom is lost in knowledge that is lost in information. The three are distinctive. Trivia and junk information do not inform, but divert attention, clutter the mind, and dissipate the soul with a poverty of significance. The Internet has become the public dump. Content is the problem—useless or misleading trash posted by anyone about anything: garbage in and garbage out: an enormous rubbish repository. Information must be based on truth to know what is and isn’t—what can be done, and what can’t. Knowledge must be based on quality experience, education, and expertise. Wisdom must discern what is true in the right use of knowledge by understanding information: the true nature of things—right reasoning and right decisions.

Two degrees from liberal arts colleges and fourteen years as professor at a liberal arts college provide perspective regarding the rationale of medieval Christian Scholastics in the study of theology and philosophy to prepare for living and leading. The first three liberal arts studies were grammar, logic, and rhetoric—to learn the rules of language, the rules of thought and analysis of assertions, and language application in a persuasive and convincing manner when speaking and writing. These three are a critical part of the white paper connection within a theological and philosophical context to distinguish wisdom from knowledge.

The profound beginning point for wisdom: What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is (Eccl. 1:9, 3:15)—the time connection: past, present, and future in God’s foreordained providence whereby He places eternity in the soul and makes everything appropriate in its time (Eccl. 3:11). My contentment in life depends on my gratitude to God for my station in life: placed and fit according to His purpose. Discontent and ingratitude result from wanting that beyond my fitness—education, experience, and expertise. My station has sufficient duties, responsibilities, and obligations without desiring more beyond my fitness.

What standard applies to duty, responsibility, and obligation? The connection of truth, fact, reason, and fairness—the elements of justice. Another connection exists as a personal requirement: do justice, love mercy, and walk in humility (Mic. 6:8).

The paper connection prepares me spiritually and intellectually for the inevitable disconnect—soul from body in crossing life’s great divide: a vast expanse traversed in a moment as the common denominator in life and the ultimate, transitional experience that cannot be reversed. Preparation this side determines the other side—and preparing to cross is the first step in learning to live: a preparation that results in inquiry and white papers.

Life’s Great Divide

A prerequisite of any dialogue—or monologue in speaking or writing to self—is the definition of words. This paper defines and clarifies a phrase used throughout this book: life’s great divide. What is the divide? What makes it great? What are the implications of this side and the other side? The Ecclesiastes phrases under the sun and under heaven indicate the divide: the former this side, the latter the other side. Divide is separation—one state of existence from another that cannot be reversed: a vast divide traversed in a moment. It is universal—all persons traverse it: a common denominator in life as the ultimate experience. This side has temporal implications; the other has eternal. Preparing to cross it is the first step in learning to live.

The divide can be distilled into a single, cogent word: death. Except for living believers at the future rapture and believers who survive the great tribulation—all humanity has an appointment with death (Heb. 9:27). Once it occurs, no human effort can reverse this reality this side the divide. But it isn’t the only death this side because an inherited spiritual death occurs the moment of conception; and as with physical death, no human effort can reverse it. But unlike physical death, spiritual death doesn’t cease animation before physical death. Restatement: unbelievers are spiritually dead while physically alive—the walking dead (Eph. 2:1–2). This side a person can do nothing to stop physical death, but can regarding spiritual.

A concise distinction is helpful—focusing on the divide’s separation function. Physical death separates soul from body. Spiritual death separates soul from God. The former cannot be reversed this side, but the latter can with enormous personal benefit the other side. This side the divide regeneration by God’s Spirit gives life to a spiritually dead soul, sight to spiritually blind eyes, and hearing to spiritually deaf ears—a three-fold effect. Regeneration is the cause and repentant faith belief the effect. A spiritually dead person has no capacity for this three-fold effect. Capacity occurs the moment the Spirit regenerates—a spiritual quickening that cannot be summoned, earned, or deserved by human effort, but is the sole initiative of the Spirit (Jn. 3:8) for each of God’s elect: chosen (Eph. 1:4) and predestined (Eph. 1:5) according to His good pleasure (Eph. 1:5) to His glory (Eph. 1:6)—this side the divide a regenerated soul, the other side a transformed body united with that soul.

Eternity the other side is the starting point for true meaning in life. Locked in a time dimension this side, the finite mind usually gives little thought to eternity. But, like it or not, eternity must be seriously considered. Why? God has placed eternity in the human heart (Eccl. 3:11): an immortal soul. Where will it be for eternity? This question should give serious pause this side the divide regarding God’s provision for legal standing before His bar of justice the other side. That provision is His Son: crucified Redeemer this side and future Judge the other side. Believers have an appointed court appearance before Him (2 Cor. 5:10) and unbelievers also after His millennial kingdom (Rev. 20: 7–15)—a time of account before the Warrior-King and Judge Who has revealed Himself in His creation (Rom 1:20), written His moral law in the human heart (Rom. 2:15), and given a conscience of right and wrong (Rom. 2:15) whereby all are without excuse (Rom. 1:20). All will know their guilt before His bar of justice.

Most persons want justice—goodness and virtue rewarded while evil is punished. Justice has five elements: factual, reasonable, right, fair, and lawful—to each his or her due. Scripture reveals a reversal often times this side the divide (Eccl. 8:14)—a lack of justice. But true justice exists the other side with an incorruptible (righteous) Judge Who knows all motives, intents, acts, and facts (omniscient) with authority and power to enforce His judgments (omnipotent). Who does this describe? Indeed! God will bring every deed into judgment—good or evil (Eccl. 12:14). Everyone has a court appointment before this Judge to give an account—and no one wants His justice. Consider the enormous benefits of reconciliation to God (2 Cor. 5:20) this side the divide.

Knowing Now and Then

A biblical metaphor is instructive—seeing self through a glass darkly. The context for this metaphor is life’s great divide—this side (now) and the other side (then). Now and then for purposes of this paper mean here and there—not from time to time or occasionally. Indeed, the title does not mean occasional knowledge. Now (here) we see through a glass darkly, then (there) face to face. Now (here) I know in part, then (there) I shall know even as I am known (1 Cor. 13:12). Know what in part? Know self and my finiteness regarding truth and reality. Known by whom? By Yeshua—Whose omniscience will call forth each imagination and thought stored in the chambers of my mind when standing before His Bema Seat (2 Cor. 5:10). Indeed, fully known by Him—the future Warrior-King, Priest, and Judge Who spoke of being fit for service in His kingdom (Lk. 9:62). What does fitness entail? Preparation. Experience, education, and vicissitudes of life this side life’s great divide prepare for the other side.

Even as I am known reveals the doctrine of continuity, i.e., who and what I am with my limited learning, skills, and experience continue the other side the divide—as a beginning for learning, studying, and training for fitness in the King’s service. Is this idle speculation? No! The Greek word epiginosko is used for know in the metaphor meaning to really know, i.e., to learn and understand. Learning from the Warrior-King will be a precious privilege (Mt. 11:29; Eph. 2:6–7)—an intellectual pleasure. All branches of His service will include an exceptional educational and training course with an extraordinary library for intellectual curiosity to enhance learning and knowing. The King’s library has to be massive with books that document every thought, word, and deed by everyone on earth (Rev. 20:12), the Lord’s War Book (Num. 21:14), and the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5, 20:15). An interesting question: will these books have restricted access? Indeed, books will exist for reading. Learning the other side will be phenomenal. It will include the rest of the story, viz., explication of all speculative what ifs for individual and collective human history—and clarification of foreordained providence this side in preparation for the other side.

The modifying phrase the other side of forms instructive metaphors regarding what is the other side really like? Once the experiential passage is accomplished, what is really achieved? What benefit in struggling through adversity, suffering hardship, touching the flame, and paying the dues to gain necessary knowledge, skills, and experience? Answer: understanding finite self