dis·ci·pline

One of the things I have struggled with in my life is learning to be disciplined. I procrastinate, I do what I want to do rather than what needs to be done, and I've really felt called to work on that this year. The Bible includes discipline/self-control as one of the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 25:28

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

There's a guy named Ralph Marston, he writes The Daily Motivator. He had this sobering and encouraging word to say about discipline:



Choose Discipline


Discipline is a decision you make, over and over again. Discipline is choosing to do what you know must be done, as often and as long as necessary.

With discipline, you can make smart and advantageous use of the time and resources available to you. With discipline, you can create great value for yourself and your world.

The most powerful way to put discipline into your life is to understand and remind yourself of what it can do for you. Once you truly decide to live with it, the power of discipline is yours.

If you do not choose to discipline yourself, you will eventually be subject to the harsh, inescapable discipline imposed upon you by life's realities. It is far more desirable to choose your own discipline and to deal with those realities on your own terms.

Self discipline opens up a world of choices and opportunities which otherwise would not be available to you. Whatever goal you set your sights upon, discipline is the most reliable way to reach it.

Choose, early and often, to use the powerful tool of discipline. And always achieve maximum results from your time and your actions.