Disciplined
Sometimes I wish I were more disciplined. I wish it were easier to automate good habits. I wish temptations weren’t so tempting. I wish I had some inner superman strength that allowed me to crush goals without effort.
But instead of superman strength, I find weakness. Temptations will always be tempting. The easier path will always be, well, easier. It takes a lot of time and energy and grace to develop the kinds of habits that lead to a disciplined life.
If you are working to be a more disciplined person, there’s one thing to be careful about: Make sure you do not view discipline as a way to get closer to God. Avoid the motivation that comes from “God will be happy with me if I do this” or, “God will be pleased with me if I do that.” No amount of discipline can increase God’s favor toward you.
The best form of discipline flows out of the favor God already has toward you. You used to be a slave to sin, helpless and powerless because of the death that loomed over you. But Jesus took death’s power away, forgiving every sin and sticking your sinful nature into his tomb. His resurrection gave you a new birth into a living hope.
Remember that the power of your discipline comes from the Spirit of God. He is working in your heart to transform your life with grace.
“We … have fled to take hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18).