92. Discipline Equals Discipleship

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Consider for yourselves this, The Ironman Triathlon is a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike, ending with a 26 mile 385 yard run to the finish line. The athletes take months to prepare or this event, controlling their food intake and beverage consumption, maintaining their cardio on a daily basis while being sure they sleep adequately to allow their bodies rest. This takes dedication on a level boarding with insanity. This cannot be done without Discipline! Anyone deciding to run this race would be a fool to watch TV all day while drinking soda and eating potato chips, than expecting to compete and even finish!

So let me ask you this, is that how you treat your soul?

Sadly, i believe there is a time when we all treat our souls with such laziness coupled with empty enthusiasm. Lethargic and untrained, we allow ourselves to be undisciplined in the things that matter, namely the things that draw us closer to God. Where we face the biggest challenge is this; life is not predictable. Life will not warn you before your heart is left broken in pieces on the floor. Sin will not fight fairly and will always fail to mention the consequences should you be deceived. Temptation will never attack your areas of strength or wait for a time that is convenient for you. Unlike the Ironman, we are never sure when the issues of life will present themselves; for that we must always be on our guard.

It is the monotonous, everyday activities that prepare us for the extraordinary challenges that will eventually present themselves. If we wait until the challenges arise we will never be prepared. Paul said that he beat his body into submission so that when he was finished preaching, he himself would not be disqualified (a). The most influential men in my life have never been the big talkers; those who have most challenged my character have been men of disciplined life's who truly walk the walk and let their actions speak for themselves.

Do we live up to that reputation? or have we allowed ourselves to becomes complacent? If so, get up and get into the word of God.

I, therefore, urge you brothers and sisters, in the knowledge that we are, this day, a new creation in Christ; discipline yourselves in the priorities of God and run the race with perseverance.

(a) 1 Corinthians 9:27