Post #76(a) - D-I-S-C-I-P-L-I-N-E!!

Discipline was our mantra in bootcamp. With everything we did, from picking the lint out of the scrub brush to adjusting into our favorite sleeping position, we had to spell out the word discipline while we did it. This drilled discipline into our minds and made it a habit.

Discipline proved to be important throughout my time in the military and has proven to be as important in my life today. 

When I've found myself lacking in discipline, I also found myself in situations I didn't want to be in. When I lacked the discipline to pay my bills on time, I found myself scrambling to pay the bill so that nothing got disconnected. And I had to pay a hefty late fee.

When I lacked the discipline to eat right and exercise, I found myself gaining weight and unhealthy habits. I'm still struggling to lose those. 

Discipline can potentially help us in many areas. Discipline can keep us accountable and accomplished. But, we have to apply it.

Discipline takes self control. But, a lot of us fail to do what we need to do when we need to do it. This is called laziness and procrastination. We reject self control and let our excuses take over.

I've been guilty of this. I've struggled with it. Discipline has tried to escape me. Procrastination has tried to push me off track. 

But, I have to stay focused!! 

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 that we must be as disciplined as an athlete. "All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So, I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing."

Paul tells us that we have to discipline our bodies like an athlete, "training it to do what it should." This is my goal. For I fear as Paul feared, that "otherwise... after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified."

So, I wake up each morning, fighting for the discipline to get up and do as I should. I fight to maintain discipline and focus throughout the day. To continue to concentrate on and do the things that need to be done, marking them as accomplished. And, I fight every night not to condemn myself for the tasks that didn't get done. To put the work away and wind down so that I can get rest and recharge for the next day.

And I must have compassion for myself. Understanding that I am not perfect and I'm not a robot. I get tired, I forget, I hit road blocks, I fall short. 

This is life.... And I shouldn't beat myself up for it. 

But, I should strive for perfection. I should work to maintain discipline and bring my body and mind under subjection.

If God wakes me up in the morning, I must get up and work for Him. Realizing that I was gifted another day because I have purpose. I have a charge to keep and a God to glorify!

If God blesses me to live throughout the day, I must work. I must travail to complete the tasks given to me by God. Because when night comes, no man can work (John 9:4).

But, even Jesus had to rest. And I must rest, too. Putting down my pencil and pad and bidding God goodnight. 

But, I must look back over the work I've done and KNOW that I have made progress. I must know that I have accomplished the day's mission. I have taken another step towards purpose.

If I lack discipline and focus, if I get and remain distracted, I can effectively accomplish nothing. And I am of no use to God.

But, I AM highly disciplined. I am FOREVER focused on God and His commands. I am proving myself suitable and appropriate. 

I am disciplined to do what I have been called to do. 

No one can do it but me.