Thursday, September 16, 2010

Living a Disciplined Life


I love to go out to eat. One of the highlights of any vacation for me, is the opportunity to check out restaurants that are local favorites. Dinners include an entree, and more often than not, a dessert. I'm on vacation after all, right?! It's only after I get home and approach the bathroom scale that I break out in a sweat. Maybe I shouldn't have sampled that last dish of creamy gelato...


The motivation to work out kicks in, as I'm forced to slide the counterweights on my scale farther to the right. I'm willing to become more selective in my food choices. I wave goodbye to the sugary confections I've become fast friends with, and say hello to sugar-free replacements. I step up to the plate of discipline.


The dictionary defines 'discipline' as, "controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; a systematic method to obtain obedience." The key is controlled behavior. There's nothing wrong with an occasional dessert. When I have to have a sweet something with every meal though, I've shifted from being in control, to being out of control.


Just like discipline is necessary in order for me to maintain the proper weight, it's vitally important in other areas of my life as well. I am able to make wise decisions when I'm disciplined with my finances. My time is best utilized when I practice discipline. My speech can be controlled and edifying when discipline is in place. Get the picture? This little ten-letter word can have an immense impact on my life if I apply it!


Being disciplined in any area is a choice. It's willfully submitting to whatever it takes to get that area under control. Seeking God's wisdom about the particular area is essential. He welcomes our request for His wisdom, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5; KJV; emphasis mine).


Wisdom and disciple don't come overnight. When we understand what our Heavenly Father has to say about discipline for a certain area, we have the opportunity to put it into practice - one day at a time. This life-long process compels us to spend time at the Master's feet, daily. Speaking of wisdom, the writer of Proverbs encourages, "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord" (Proverbs 8:34-35; emphasis mine).


As the dictionary definition implies, discipline doesn't come without a price. Denying myself can be downright frustrating. Society's focus on instant gratification has gone a long way in convincing us that we have the right to what we want, immediately. Why wait and save up the money to buy that item, when we can have it now and charge it to our credit card. Never mind that our impatience will end up costing us more in the long run. When we submit ourselves to be exercised by discipline, controlled behavior is the outcome. We see the wisdom in only purchasing the things we can afford.


As you pursue wisdom to become more disciplined in any area of life, remember the words of James, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be enreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).


Life is full of opportunities for discipline. Are you willing to do what it takes to become disciplined in your living? Although the initial cost may seem high, and the road may seem long, the rewards make it all worthwhile!



Thank You, Lord, that Your Word gives me the tools necessary to live a disciplined life. Help me to glean wisdom from You, daily. Your Word is clear that those who handle matters wisely shall find good, and those who trust in You are happy (Pro. 16:20). I praise You today, Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen.

24 comments:

  1. I like your summary of discipline: "controlled behavior." Concise and packed with meaning.

    Have you read Ortberg's "The LIfe You've Always Wanted"? Good book about working the spiritual disciplines.

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  2. SHEESH, I'm always on a diet this summer. Every time I lose the weight it smacks me on the backside or middle. *groan*

    But spiritual discipline is easier for me these days. Maria, I love my Jesus so much and God has been so good to me, that I want to walk in his will, I want to spend the beginning of each day with him. I love him so very much. And I want to know I am in tune with him at all times. Great post girl. Still praying. :)

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  3. Warren - Thanks for stopping by! Looks like I'll need to add Ortberg's book to my list of 'must reads,' after I finish yours! Have a blessed weekend!

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  4. Robyn - I can totally relate about the diet issue. I've come to think of it as a live-it, since it's something I'm doing for life!

    Glad to hear of your love for the Lord! And what an encouragement that you desire to walk in the center of His will! Continuing to pray for you as well! Any more energy this week? Hugs and blessings to you, my friend! :)

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  5. Diana - Your words of encouragement and regular visits mean more than you know! Have a great weekend! Hugs & Blessings! :)

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  6. Good post Maria and it is so true... being disciplined in a society (country) where EVERYTHING is easily and abundantly available is not easy. Everytime when we come back to the States from Europe I really have to go in a strict discipline so as not to gain weight...

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  7. Oh Maria, am I sure glad I stopped by today. I feel more than refreshed by Proverbs 8:34-35, I feel like I've just taken a bath in the river of life. Thank you for being the breath of fresh air I needed today. Bless you!

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  8. Hi Maria -

    I LOVE dessert. Chocolate in particular. It's finally caught up with me, and now I'm being disciplined about what I eat.

    Sometimes we neglect long-established, disciplined behaviors. Like a raft that's drifted too far from shore, we are suddenly in a precarious place. The journey back is often difficult - like those stubborn 20 pounds.

    Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It keeps us out of both physical and spiritual trouble.

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  9. I was thinking of you this morning! Miss you!
    I am so blessed to be your friend! God uses your words to bless many! Thank you

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  10. Great post. Discipline is part of being a disciple. I am a tumbleweed at heart, and discipline doesn't come naturally to me. I need to be on a spiritual leash sometimes!

    And about food - it doesn't help that my husband must have dessert after EVERY meal. A cookie will satisfy at breakfast, but he's thin as can be despite the sweets. If I just look at his diet, I can feel the pounds increase1

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  11. Thanks for the inspiration! I have been on the roller coaster of losing and gaining this summer. Lose at home, gain when we are on the road! Uggghhh!!!

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  12. Marja - Thanks for the European perspective! I'm sure the US is one of the only countries that offers sweets with virtually every meal. Hence our struggle as a nation with obesity! Point well taken. Have a wonderfully disciplined weekend!! :)

    T. Anne - Praise the Lord! I'm glad you stopped by too. I love how God's Word always accomplishes the purpose it was set out to accomplish. God is ever faithful! Have a blessed weekend!

    Susan - I love your insightful comments! Thanks for the reminder that,
    "Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It keeps us out of both physical and spiritual trouble." Amen to that!

    I share your love for all things chocolate. The scales are a welcome friend, helping me to consume in moderation!! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! :)

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  13. Darlene - So good to hear from you! I certainly have missed our times of prayer and Bible study! Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement & I praise the Lord for the opportunity to write for Him! Let's get together soon! God's blessings to you! :)

    Susan - Sounds like we're cut from the same cloth, my friend! Love the visual of a 'spiritual leash'. Why do we deceive ourselves into thinking that we'd be better off, without it?!

    Have to say I laughed at your description of just looking at your hubby's diet and gaining weight! Keep those blinders on, girl & have a fantastically disciplined weekend! God bless!

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  14. Cheri - I can definitely relate! I usually do pretty well at home, but it's the vacationing that trips me up every time! Must remember, "everything in moderation". No room for gluttony! Have a great weekend & God bless!

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  15. Maria:

    I had an unusual experience this summer. I lost 6 lbs before going on vacation, then was careful while on vacation, not wanting to gain it back. Then when I returned home, I started to pig out! Go figure that one.

    I need this word today. Thank you,
    Jen
    Audience of ONE

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  16. Jen - That's too funny! Maybe a bit of reverse psychology on your part? I'm glad God's mercies are new every morning and He gives us every opportunity to begin again! His faithfulness amazes me! Thanks for sharing your story. Have a blessed and disciplined weekend! :)

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  17. I changed my eating habits about 3 years ago and lost 35 lbs. I walk 3 to 4 miles a day and have not returned to my old bad habits. I've kept the weight off. :-)

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  18. You are right, we do have a choice to be disciplined in every area of our lives. Thank you for this encouraging reminder!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  19. im only now reading this...but guess what...i needed this TODAY! thank you for sharing!

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  20. You hit a tough spot! I have lost 30 pounds, 20 more to go, according to the doc -- and, boy, those restaurants call, especially business dinners and luncheons. Everyone gets to eat the fancy restaurant specialties; I order salads. Sigh!

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  21. Discipline isn't always fun, but it is always fulfilling. Thanks for the encouragement.

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  22. This is so true, Maria. Discipline may be easier to "count" when we can see the pounds on the scale, but it might be more of a subtle need in other areas of our lives. It's one of those reminders we need over and over again in life.

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  23. OH Maria...you hit me in the right spot with this post. This is an area I truly struggle in...desserts...I'm not that disciplined...though I am seeking daily to be. THanks for this tidbit of help & encouragement in my journey.
    Blessing,s

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