PRACTICAL STEPS to DISCIPLINE and SELF-CONTROLSample

WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?

Sometimes the word discipline has a negative connotation -- we think of it as punishment, like: “You’re going to have to be disciplined.”

But really, discipline is a blessing! Without it, we’re not going to get much done in life. Here are a couple ways the Merriam Webster dictionary defines discipline: orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; SELF-CONTROL. Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

A disciplined life is a happy life! It’s a fruitful life. It’s orderly, molded, perfecting our minds and moral character.

And think about this: followers of Jesus are called disciples, which means “disciplined ones.” We are called to discipleship, a disciplined life! Part of our very born-again nature is discipline and self-control. These fruits are in us.

I’ll give you an example from my own life. I tend to have a bit of a lead foot when it comes to driving. I’m always in a hurry! But one day while I was driving, God challenged me to exercise some self-control and be disciplined in the area of speed. He spoke my heart and said, “If you’ll obey me by going to speed limit, I’ll make sure you get there on time.”

Man, it was hard! I was so used to speeding. Here are some things I learned while obeying the speed limit:

·Old habits die hard. I had to use the cruise control to slow down to 30 mph!

·Everyone else flew by me. It’s so easy to disobey because “everybody else is doing it.” I had remind myself that I’m called to discipleship – I’m a disciplined one.

·My driving goals changed from “pass everyone” to “stay out of the way.”

·It’s a whole different world over in the far right lane on a freeway. I “met” a whole different group of people. Such a different perspective.

·BUT! I never arrived late! On city streets, all the lights were mostly green! I arrived relaxed!

·My flesh still sometimes wanted to cave in and speed, but I discovered so many benefits of discipline: when we do things God’s way, it works better. Obedience brings blessing, peace, and order.

I’m not saying you have to go the speed limit (although…!). I just use that as an example. Self-control glorifies God. His way of discipline and self-control is always better.