Discipline
One of the greatest revelations of my time in ministry is that our greatest failure is often linked to lack of discipline than it is to demonic interference. It’s quite amazing that when we spend enough time with people in scripture we often realise how self-disciplined they were and we also understand why God chose them and used them. David was a master musician but he spent hours on his instrument while tending to his sheep, Abraham was blessed but also, he would have great management of wealth to properly protect and administer what he had. Solomon was given wisdom but he lived a life dedicated to investing in knowledge, not only did he write a lot of books but he also read and acquired knowledge too. Most of the significant men we know of were disciplined.
Discipline can be difference between marital success and failure, discipline is why businesses thrive and others crumble, discipline is something we don’t see sometimes because it is usually something that is hidden from others. Discipline is good self-governance and we see the results of a disciplined life but never the process. Discipline is why people win and others fail. Are you disciplines?
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
It is the capacity to do the same thing with the same energy, minus the emotion you had when you started.
Where should I exercise self-discipline?
Discipline in time management
Discipline in speech
Discipline in practice
Discipline in learning
Discipline in relationships
Discipline in setting goals
Discipline in health management
Discipline in planning (routine)
Discipline in Finances
Discipline in Focus
Scriptures
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
James 3:2-12
Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.