Hello, it’s Monday and we are going to look at Self-Discipline. Because that is where I am at right now, working on being self-disciplined. Let us take a look at the last place you want to be in your life. But first, let us start with this Bible verse:
I Corinthians 9:25-27
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Paul speaks of the importance of discipline. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with this. I do my best when I’m being held accountable, or have a major goal I am working toward for a certain purpose. Oh, and isn’t that what Paul is speaking of?
Runners who train don’t stagger toward the finish line. Boxers who train don’t stagger but absorb powerful blows. But it takes “Strict Training” to get to this point. The difference between world Olympians and champions are just mere split seconds. Water boils, and turns to steam at 212 degrees, not 211. At 212 degrees you can power a locomotive. At 211 that locomotive isn’t going anywhere.
Discipline is what Paul was speaking of, and he left a great example for us. Don’t disqualify yourself by ‘running aimlessly’ with your life, your business, and the dreams and goals of your family. This is someone who is flying by the seat of their pants and struggles to make it. That’s what others do. That’s what 80% plus of what others do – and they never reach their dreams. But that is not you!
The Last Place You Want To Be
I revisit this a lot and you may have already heard me share this, but my mentor Dr. Keith Gaddis said to me in regards to taking care of myself, “The last place you want to be is in a stretcher looking up at your wife and apologizing for not taking care of yourself.”
And what about your business, your work, your job – you took this on to reach some pretty BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) in your life. We call it The Why or the Dream that motivates. Don’t forget your Why. Let it drive your discipline in accomplishing what you set forth to do.
As Godly leaders of our businesses and families and neighborhoods, we need to cultivate this same kind of spiritual fitness. In doing so, it will affect all other areas of our life – how we treat others, where we go for answers for major decisions, skills we use for daily tasks, our attitudes, and how we react or respond to situations and much more.
Challenge for today – What disciplines do you need to set in place for your life (Spiritually, Physically, Family and relationships, Finances, Mentally, Time/Energy Management), and better yet what are you willing to put into these areas of your life in order to reach your dreams? It might just be a degree away. So be it.
