Discipline
What does a life devoted to the Lord look like? How do we walk as Jesus walked? If you came to faith later in life, you may have not had the example of a godly role model. You may currently not have godly friends that encourage you and help you grow spiritually. But God provided for each of us a living example in His son Jesus Christ. He also gave us the gift of His very own living words in the Bible. God gave us instructions on how to live a disciplined life that honors Him. All we have to do is follow them.
1 Timothy 4:7 tells us to train ourselves for the purpose of godliness. The key to living a disciplined life is to have an eternal goal. We have to hold fast to the hope and promise we have in our Lord Jesus Christ, eternal life with God Himself. Timothy continues by comparing bodily discipline with spiritual discipline: for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:8-10).
We have to change our lives to make our relationship with the Lord a priority, devoting our life and time on this earth to Him. Starting the day in prayer and study of His living Word will transform us and allow us to see who the living God is and what a gift we have to be called His. Our circumstances may be difficult, life may try to take the rug out from underneath us, but the only way we will make it through those days and times is to grow in our relationship with the Lord by drawing close to Him and submitting everything to Him. He is the only consistency. All other ground is sinking sand.
We find so many reasons why we can’t study scripture, why we have to cut our prayer short, and how our circumstances do not allow for us to serve others. But is that the truth or is Satan distracting us from becoming who we are meant to be in Christ? If we discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness, God will walk with us every step of the way and make our path straight (Proverbs 3:6).
Discipline is hard work and an ongoing process. 1 Corinthians 16:13 tells us to be alert, stand firm, and be strong. We have to continuously align ourselves with scripture as the book of Timothy clearly confirms. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
God has given us the fruit of the spirit, one of them being self-control. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to guide is through the day, demonstrating self-control by eliminating unnecessary distractions and hindrances, whether they are good or sinful, in order to focus on our relationship with the Lord and on the eternal goal.
Our discipline and faith will then be a light to those around us allowing us to be vessels for God and furthering His kingdom. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).
Today’s Challenge: As believers we look forward to Jesus Christ’s return as King of King and Lord of Lords. If you knew He was coming back next week, what changes in your life would you make for the next seven days?
Forty Days of Faithful 
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