Today…Discipline

For a few years, I had the privilege of knowing the late great Pete Maravich. As a young boy Pete disciplined himself daily to become the greatest basketball player of his time. Plus, he had a father that was a coach that helped him stay focused and challenged. While other kids were just out playing, he was working on his game. The result of his daily discipline commitment is proficiency on the court that few can even compare.

Self-discipline is vital in anything we do, such as, our family, our jobs, school, athletics and so on. You can add to or take away from this definition as follows: the ability to regulate one’s conduct by process, principle and sound judgement to achieve positive results.

How do we develop self-discipline?

1. Begin with small steps. Examples – make your bed, clean your room, everything has a place. Orderliness matters! Song of Solomon 2:15, Solomon states…it is the little foxes that ruin the vineyards.

2. Get organized. Make a calendar and be detailed. Start small.

3. Just use your free time wisely. Be productive and don’t let the “Big three” consume you: T.V., phone, computer. Redeem the time.

4. Be on time. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

5. Keep your word. Your name is on the line! Do not be quick to speak…Ecclesiastes 5:2. Also read Proverbs 29:20.

6. Be a finisher. What you start work to finish.

7. Do the most difficult tasks or jobs first.

8. Reject passivity. You take charge…don’t assume.

9. Take responsibility…embrace it!

10. Practice self-denial. Today learn to say no to your impulses or some cravings. Self-control.

11. Be teachable and accept correction. Solomon wrote, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” Proverbs 19:20. Also, “He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects disciple despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.” Proverbs 15:21-23

Today, help me tackle on of these disciplines Lord!

Remember Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be more desires than great wealth, favor is better than silver or gold.