I have been contemplating self-discipline lately, and especially this morning. Maybe it's in light of my upcoming birthday. I have been thinking about the fact that in only a few years I will be 40, and I set a goal of being at my ideal weight by then. Maybe 3 years from now is too far away. I don't know. What I do know is that I have believed for years that I could never again be as thin as I was when I got married, but now I believe I can do it. I would only have to lose 2 pounds a month. I just have to figure out how to implement it in my life in a way that I don't resent the exercise and change in eating. And I may even reach my goal early! ;) I was afraid to share this with anyone because I still have that nagging voice in the back of my head that I can't do it, and I am afraid to let you watch me fail, but I decided to share so that I might have some feeling of accountability.
Anyway, that's just where my thoughts began, and I decided that I really would like to do a bit of study in God's Word on self-discipline. This led me to 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate (self-controlled) 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." These are going to be my memory verses this week.
There are many areas in my life that I need to learn self-discipline, I am ashamed to admit, but I am going to do something about it. Maybe as I get more comfortable with making myself vulnerable, I will share with you what some of those areas are and what I'm doing about them. For now, know that I'm not going to be content with where I am, but am going to push ahead with the help of the Holy Spirit to become an imitator of the Lord.
I struggle with the same thing, Mary. And I will be doing the same - posting my progress on my blog. I'll be praying for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary.
ReplyDeleteGreat to be following your blog. I look forward to hearing about the wonderful work that the Lord is going to do in your life.
About self-discipline. I remember years ago hearing how John MacArthur would often say no to certain food (lets say sweet things) for a period - not because he had to loose weight or for any medical reason - but just so that he could make sure he was in control of his body. This has helped me a lot over the years to often just make sure I can have the self control to do something like that. I think it's something that is hard for most of us.
Thanks for sharing and I pray the Lord would really strengthen you and help you to accomplish your goals.