I woke up the other morning with one word repeating in my mind, “Discipline.” As I prepared for the day, I considered all the areas of my life where I need more self-discipline. Order in the home, consistency in parenting, healthy habits, and the list could go on.

I had not thought about discipline recently, nor had I read any books or articles on the topic. Still, the voice repeated in my mind, “Discipline.” Now, I’m not one to “hear voices.” Yet, every so often, out of the blue, timely and necessary reminders come to mind. I am impressed with how God will bring people across my path to confirm something he’s speaking of with me. This morning was no exception.

Later that day, I attended a writers workshop. When the speaker said, “Discipline is the act of making yourself do what you don’t want to do so that you can achieve the results you want.” I thought it was interesting to hear that word again, Discipline. I mulled it over for a few more days before looking up the definition of self-discipline for myself.

Self-Discipline

Merriam-Webster defines self-discipline as the “correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement.”

I know I shouldn’t get stuck on a word, but that’s what was happening. I wanted to dissect this concept of self-discipline so that I could grasp it fully.

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Heb 12:11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

1 Cor. 9: 24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Co 9:24–27). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Clearly, I see the value of possessing this character of self-discipline; my personal success is dependent upon it. I can easily lose sight of its value in the noise and busy work I surround me. I’m thankful for mornings like this where simple reminders grow into meaningful messages meant for my good.

Until our next chat…

Your friend,

Mrs. Joseph Wood