2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
One of the definitions of disciple that I like is “A student under discipline”
But what is discipline? Discipline is simply the practice of training yourself to obey certain rules and a certain code of behavior. One of the hardest things to do for many humans is “Self-Discipline” It is because of this that many are living way below their potential. Jesus was a man under discipline, and He taught His disciples to live a similar kind of life. Interesting that when He left, He tells his disciples to raise more disciples by teaching them to observe the new way of life that He had taught them.
Discipline unlocks potential, but the reality is that everyone has to do their own discipline, that is why it is called SELF-DISCIPLINE no one can do it for you. People cast off restraint when there is no vision. Vision demands discipline. Show me a man who is not disciplined, and I will show you a man who has no vision.
Human beings are creatures of habit, and we develop habits through discipline. As believers, God has given us a spirit of power, love and sound judgment and personal discipline. Please note, this will result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control. Would you say that your life is currently balanced? If it is not, then there are some areas where you still have some work to do as we grow into discipleship.
Reflections
Which one area of your life currently would you say lacks self-discipline?
How has that lack of discipline affected your life?
What are you committing to do to build self-discipline in this area of your life?
