Honing Self-Discipline

 
One week into the New Year and a frightening number of New Year’s resolutions have already failed. Did you have one? How is that going for you? Often times the defining difference is self-discipline. Almost 2 years ago I wrote an article on self-discipline exercises and it still remains one of the most frequently visited posts on my blog. I guess lots of people are looking for a magic formula for sticking to the things they set their minds on. Do you find you wish you did a better job of accomplishing your goals? Do you feel as if your intentions are far bigger than your efforts? Do your desires win too many battles?
 
If so, I invite you to join me on working on self-discipline. I just spent time in my prayer closet discerning my VOW (Verse Of the Week) for this week and it is:
 
Verse of the Week
“Like a city broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” Proverbs 25:28.
 
Thus, my focus for the week is self-discipline. At the top of this article is a copy of my new desktop background I created as a reminder. Feel free to download a copy of it by right clicking here. I also replaced last week’s VOW with this week’s on my bathroom mirror. I write my VOW on my mirror with a dry erase marker.
 
I am excited about this weeks focus. Self-discipline is such an important part of the Christian walk. The good news is that self-discipline is not just a matter of raw will power. It is one of the gifts God gives us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, scripture says “For God has given us a spirit not of timidity, but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
 
If you want to grow in self-discipline begin first with praying for it. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide your choices and to give you the strength to resist desires that are not in alignment with God’s will. Be specific. For example, I am working on establishing a healthy sleep pattern so that I can give God my very best. My prayer will be something to the effect of, “God I am tempted to stay up late reading or exploring ideas I am excited about. Give me the ability to let go of those thoughts distracting me from sleep. Grant me the self-discipline to shut my computer off, put my books down, and fall asleep praying. Amen.”
 
Second, know your temptations or default behaviors. When I am restless, I can read for hours or dabble creating things on the computer. I realize that in order to sleep consistently I must have a conscious plan to not engage in those activities. I will have to set my book down or turn off the computer by a set time or I will get lost in those things for hours.
 
What tempts you? What are behaviors that you tend to fall into without thinking? What limits must you set in order to avoid falling prey to these things? What is a predetermine course of action you can take as an alternative? Pray about these things.
 
With that said, I am writing this and it is 10:44 p.m. Time for me to practice what I am preaching and honor my own boundaries. Good night.
 
Blessings to you from The Practical Disciple as you strive to be more self-disciplined in your daily life.