Discipline

May 14, 2008

Discipline- What comes to your mind when you see that word? Do you think of the rigorous practice and training of the athlete or musician? Do you think of a drill instructor getting a group of raw recruits in shape? Do you think of the student determined to graduate from college with a high GPA? Maybe what comes to your mind is the image of punishment.

Here is what I am thinking. Discipline is an attitude or action steps that you consistently take to develop or improve in a particular area.

I have found that the most effective Christians I know have this ingredient of discipline in their lives. There are some attitudes they have or actions steps they regularly take that make them strong in their walk with the Lord.

Here are some I have seen:

-They have disciplined themselves to read their Bibles, pray, attend church, witness, serve etc. independent of their feelings.

-They have disciplined themselves to make a plan and work their plan unless God redirects them.

-They have disciplined themselves to focus on those areas where they are most effective. -They have disciplined themselves to press on even when it is not easy.

-They have disciplined themselves to keep learning and growing

How are you when it comes to discipline? Today is a great day to begin. By the way, every effective Christian had a day where they began some disciplines. What might you begin today?

Pastor Chuck