Click the “play” button above for an audio version of this post.
I don’t think I’m much different from anyone else in my struggle with self-discipline. I’ve learned that I tend to be a “one-at-a-time” practitioner of this virtue. From October 2008 until Spring 2009, I was riveted on exercise disciplines, so focused that at one stretch I didn’t miss my hour-a-day regimen over ninety days. It was great!
But then I started a daily blog post discipline in May 2009 (that I have continued to the present). Since then, my physical exercise has been spotty. It’s as though I see self-discipline as a limited commodity. I act as though it is as scarce as diamonds. If it was only a matter of will-power, that perspective might be right. But my self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), and He is not dispensing it drops at a time. I have a limitless resource of self-control at home in my heart through faith. I can practice self-discipline in any and every area of my life, not but sheer human force, but by gentle persistent divine power. I’m reminded that “His divine power has given [me] everything [I] need for a godly life through [my] knowledge of him who called [me] by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3 TNIV).” Everything. Period! I’m not lacking anything I need to live the glorious and good life God so wants for me.
I celebrate my 49th birthday tomorrow. I’ve been working on some hopes and goals leading up to next year’s half-century birthday. I’m encouraged that I can practice self-discipline throughout my life. (And I give you permission to remind me of that whenever you want!)
Self-control is a limitless resource of the infinite God. What ideas to the contrary are banging around my mind and heart? And yours?
The last few months have been a time of significant change in my life. And the irony is I’ve only been making small changes to awaken such significance. Big concepts like “time management” and “self discipline” are achievable through such minor and, at times, insignificant decisions. I do believe God has equipped me with all I need to master all I want to his glory. I also believe in order to see the grandeur of the changes and God’s hand at work (at least for me right now), small, deliberate changes must take place first. It’s very easy for me to become overwhelmed by the goals I have. If I take them one at a time, then I know I can, one day, have control over them all – by the grace of God.
This morning I had breakfast with my dad, discussing this very issue. I summed up our conversation with this: “Well, unless I die, I have time.” Sounds morbid, but, for me, unless God is done with me here, I have time to make the changes in the time they’re to be made. Thoughts?
Good thoughts, John. One way I’ve thought about this is that it is hard to over-estimate the transforming power of little things done regularly. Most of the really lasting changes in my life have not come heroically, but simply and steadily. Part of the impact of today’s post on me is that instead of seeing the transformation of my life in the context of God’s amazing riches, I see it in terms of trying to manage it all myself. I must continue to exercise the self-control that I have in Christ, especially through simple, holy practices. Thanks for the response…
I needed this today. Thank you, Alan. “His divine power has given [me] everything [I] need for a godly life through [my] knowledge of him who called [me] by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3 TNIV).”
So often, I don’t even take time to think about God’s divine power working in me because I’m too busy trying to figure out how to get through everything that I’ve put on my plate. Maybe, it’s that I need to step back, put on my God glasses and filter my “stuff” through my knowledge of him. Then, I will be able to tap into that divine power that he has already given me for a godly life. Some of these truths are so simple yet so difficult to grasp. Why do I try to stumble through each day using my inadequate resources, when the ultimate and perfect resource is available 24/7? Thank you again for this word today. It’s encouraged me to spend more time in prayer seeking what the Lord has for me each day and how his power can work within me to do and be what he has called me to.
Happy Birthday! Alan.
In His Amazing Grace,
Nickie
You’re welcome, Nickie. Your testimony encourages me again that there is a kind of unhurry that enables us to be more fruitful and free than our most driven efforts.
Grateful to be sharing the journey…
Thanks for sharing . I too struggle with a very “tunneled vision” ability to discipline my life but I have been rethinking this concept of late . I realize that due to my personality I tend to not be very disciplined. Sad but true. I have determined to allow God to lead me in the area which need to be tightened up or redirected but I already feel my flesh screaming NOOOOOO. I will claim the promise of 1 Peter and go forward in victory. God bless you on your journey!
You’re welcome, Renee. It’s been helping me to think that Jesus is with me in those places where I tend to choose a path other than a living one. It helps me say the Yes I want to say, rather than the yes my flesh wants me to… grace to you as well…
Love the audio version, Alan! Any chance of posting those as a podcast? I would subscribe for sure. With my current rhythm, drive time is my best time for solitude. Thanks for the reminder that there is no ceiling on God’s ability to discipline me into the life He designed me for!
Mike – Good to hear from you. I have thot about doing a podcast, since I’m already recording a post here and there. I’ve emailed a friend who I think can help me there. I’ll keep you posted. (And glad this post helped! Grace!)