Discipline is defined as “to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.” I feel like discipline is something I’ve always lacked in my life. Because I’m a person with a Type-B personality, my spontaneity, easy-going habits and desire for things to be relaxed overruled my need for discipline. I began to think more about this after hearing a message on rest. I was asked, rhetorically, “Is my pace sustainable?” I knew instantly that my answer was a clear “no”. I went to school, worked, was a part of small groups, and that didn’t even begin to include my time with family and friends. I started to evaluate what was and wasn’t important in my schedule; I came to the realization that they were all important. So, now what? I talked this over with a close friend and we discussed what I should do, going forward. We decided it’d be best to cut out one aspect of my schedule: school. Now, I know what you’re thinking. School?! Really, Nicole? Well, as I began to pray and see where my mentality was on this aspect of my life, it wasn’t getting the focus that it needed. So, I took a little break. I’m giving myself six months to start developing discipline.
Now, what do I want to be disciplined in? Two things in particular: my health and my relationship with the Lord. Because I’m not taking classes this quarter, I have all my mornings free. I’ve been on this schedule for the last week and I already feel a lot better. I have time to go running in the morning and have times with Jesus during and after my workout. I’m not confined to the pressures of classes and homework, where my health and relationship with the Lord would be pushed aside. I have a solid amount of time to spend on myself, something that doesn’t happen too often.
As I create time for these two aspects I want to be disciplined in, I realized that I’m being obedient to what God has called for my life. This is the same call he has for your life too! 1 Corinthians 9:24,25 (NIV) says, “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.” I look at this and see discipline as training. I must be dedicated to keeping discipline as a part of my daily routine. It’s not easy, but it’s well worth it. We must strive for things that have importance and long-term value. I see that in the two areas in which I’m working on.
Now, how are you doing? Is your pace sustainable? What should be cut out or added to your schedule? Ask these questions to someone who knows you well. Be willing to see how God reveals himself. Praying for your hearts, friends!
Author: Nicole Presley