"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:8 We all need more discipline in our lives. It is something that we never have enough of, no matter how disciplined we are. Interestingly, the words "discipline" and "disciple" are connected.
Being a follower of Christ requires discipline as we are a disciple of Jesus.
If we want to be a great disciple, we have to practice great discipline.
Discipline is a very misunderstood practice.
Some people think of discipline as the willpower to do something. It's all about having enough strength to overcome whatever is trying to sabotage our success.
The problem with this idea of discipline is that it's very subjective to our ability to withstand the temptation to give in; If we are strong, then we might be successful, but we will probably fail if we are weak.
Trying to use our strength not to do something is very difficult, especially if we are in the heat of the moment.
It's like the dieting and starving person at a dessert bar…it doesn't turn out so well if they wait to have strength at the moment.
The solution to be more disciplined is not about being stronger; it's about being smarter.
Discipline is a mind game, not a strength game.
The battle takes place first in your thoughts then is manifested through your actions.
If you are going to be successful, you must fight the battle before it begins.
For example, don't allow yourself to be hungry at the dessert bar and choose what you're going to do before you're standing in line. You have to "make a choice" before you have to "make a choice."
"The solution to be more disciplined is not about being stronger… it's about being smarter."
There is an excellent practice called "If, Then."
"If, Then" is a logical reasoning mechanism where you ask yourself in advance to choose before you have to make a choice.
For example, you say, "If this happens…then what will I do?"
Here are some If, Then statements:
If I am offered dessert after dinner; Then I will politely refuse and drink a glass of water instead.
If someone says something hurtful to me; Then I will forgive them and move on.
If I receive an invitation to an undesired atmosphere; Then I will decline and offer another option.
We could go on and on with "If, Then" statements, but I am sure you get the point. These are very powerful when it comes to anticipating the things that could wreck your discipline.
Remember, it's about being smarter, not stronger. Being smarter is about outwitting the enemy of discipline.
"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and discipline every thought to obey Christ." II Corinthians 10:5 MST.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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