Scripture

I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

~1 Corinthians 1:27, NKJV

Quote

Good athletes are disciplined. Jerry Rice, a wide receiver for the 49ers back in the old days, didn’t just run out on the fields each Sunday evening and catch passes. He worked slavishly during the weeka and the off season. Even in the off season, Rice ran daily and uphill. He even did his sprints uphill. He was also famous for running up the steps of the stadium. I do good to walk up steps. Of course there is more than physical exercise; there must be discipline in the Christian life. Self-discipline is a proven method for success but it is also and integral part of God plan for our lives and it may be more important than we think. If we are going to be good stewards of our time, resources, and gifts, we have to practice discipline. Without discipline, we will squander our gifts, kill our time and waste our resources.

Personally, I am not disciplined by nature so I have to work at it. Seven Habits helped me more than anything. You have to discipline yourself to create a habit, but once you make the habit it will become a passion. I deleted a game from my phone just the other day. I was getting into the habit of playing it the first thing in the morning while I eat my cereal. If possible, I give my mornings to scripture, prayer, meditation, writing and studying. I have had to discipline myself to do what matters most first or else I will not get it done. This is an easy discipline for some but not me. Now my quiet time is more than a habit, it is a passion. I don’t think there is anything I love more. I love to preach but my time alone with Jesus is more important than preaching. If He doesn’t speak to me, I have nothing to say.

It would be wonderful if I could tell you that this has been my habit ever since the LORD called me back in 1968, but that would not be true. I am ashamed to tell you how long it took me to establish the habit and I do admit that God’s grace is the greatest factor.