The thought of curling up in a blanket on the couch sounds very enticing this Winter. Instead of sipping your usual hot chocolate, consider a hot cup of self-discipline.
Don’t be dismayed, it is only an analogy, but is one of the hardest characteristics of human behavior to master. The Bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). So instead of giving in to your favorite television show, consider a few suggestions of self-discipline:
Finish a book
Is there a book that you were eager to read, sitting on your shelf collecting dust? Try reading 5 pages a day and see how far reading will take you by setting small milestones.
Contact old friends and family
You never know loves you until you receive a call from a friend or loved one. Take the first step by contacting old friends and family rather than opting for convenient social networking communication. A phone call or coffee break can mean the world of difference.
Organize your life
There are many items in our lives, which may need to be re-routed or re-organized. Take the time to organize your life and home. Besides you know yourself better than anyone else! Create an atmosphere conducive to self-discipline.
Take this with you
This week ask the Lord to guide your steps and provide you with a new attitude to practice self-discipline on a daily basis. Remember that God has already created you with power over fear of tasks you may feel are too large to overcome. He sealed the deal and gave you a spirit of power, love and self-control. There is nothing you cannot do! Walk in who God created you to be this week.
What a great post! I have accomplished the first two. I make sure, no matter how tired I am, to take time to read every night. Right now I am working on books that I haven’t read. But when I don’t have a new book, I pick one out of my many that I haven’t read in a long time and I let it take me on a journey. It lets me just get away from the hustle and bustle of the day for a brief moment.
Over the past month or two, I have taken the opportunity to re-connect with friends and family I haven’t spoken to in many years. Sometimes it starts with just an e-mail because that may be the only way I know how to communicate with them. For some, though, I have actually been able to sit down and write a letter or short note to send through the mail. I still love sending and receiving mail “the old-fashion way”.
Now, I need to work on the last two. I wouldn’t say my life is totally unorganized, but it could be much better. I have a hectic life with the many activities my children are in, the volunteer positions I have, and my career. And I know I could use some self-discipline. So I see I have a couple of goals. I like goals because it gives me something to work towards.
Thanks for the wonderful post!