How to Develop Self-Discipline

How to Develop Self-Discipline By: Rick Warren “God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV) *** *** *** *** God wants you to develop a self-discipline that pushes you to do things, even as others are giving up. Over the years, I’ve observed six key expressions of self-discipline: People with self-discipline master their moods. They live by their commitments, not their emotions. People who do the right thing even when they don’t feel like it accomplish most of what gets done in the world! “A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28 LB). People with self-discipline watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths. “He who guards his lips guards his life” (Proverbs 13:3 NIV). People with self-discipline restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? “If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it” (Proverbs 19:11 GNT). People with self-discipline stick to their schedule. If you don’t determine how you will spend your time you can be sure that others will decide for you! “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility … Make the best use of your time” (Ephesians 5:15–16 PH). People with self-discipline manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20 LB). People with self-discipline maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements. “Every one of you should learn to control his body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect” (1 Thessalonians 4:4 PH). The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-discipline. It takes a power greater than yourself: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT/NCV). The more I accept God’s control over my life, the more self-control he gives me! © 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

PRACTICING INNER PEACE

PRACTICING INNER PEACE

By Dwight Cunkle

Four Practices to develop inner peace (meditate on these):

1. Keep internal calm by disciplining external senses (what I see or want to see because of my flesh and pride or unholy desires).

2. Establish in ourselves an intention to love all people and live in harmony with everyone. Listen for their heart and with your heart, not just for the facts or to fix it. Be in the moment.

3. Keep our conscience clear within, toward God and  between us and others. Practice confession of fault and sin (openness).

4. Must accustom ourselves to bear unpleasant things and insults without becoming upset or agitated.

I don’t want to be controlled by shame and blame but by the peace of God. Many of us were raised in a shame-based matrix: interpreting life and people and ourselves through the lens of what’s wrong. Exchange that for a view of the world through God’s love, mercy and goodness.

Also, many of us grew up with many anger, adrenaline and control issues-either our anger or the anger of others around us. We need God’s help to be emotionally aware of how our emotions impact others around us-spouse, children, church or work.

Romans 13

Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to

one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]. 9 The commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet (have an evil desire), and any other commandment, are summed up in the single command, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.