Self Discipline

“The ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses.  The ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.”  This is the definition you see when you Google self-discipline.  There are areas of my life where I succeed in self-discipline and then there are areas where I am a complete failure.  I’m sure most people would describe themselves the same, but I am determined to improve on those areas where I lack control over things that shouldn’t control me. 

 

YouVersion Bible App

Self-discipline can be applied in many areas of life including exercise, healthy eating, work ethic, morality, etc.  After now having run 3 marathons, I would say my ability to overcome the physical stresses of running is well in check.  I have a strong desire to be a good employee and live a life of integrity.  I even brush and floss my teeth daily.  But there is this thing called healthy eating.  I like to justify my eating habits saying things like “I’m not as bad as some people” or “at least I exercise to burn off those calories” but the truth of the matter is that I have some very bad eating habits that need to change.  

Some say it’s a battle of will power.  When there are sweets in the house, I eat them.  When they are not in the house I have great resolve!  So how do I win this battle to not give in to temptations when they are right in front of me?  I am learning that my will power alone doesn’t get the job done.  I need help from the One who created me.  God gives us the Holy Spirit when we accept Him as Lord of our life and one of the “fruits” of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  The Holy Spirit is within us, gently nudging us and guiding us in all things; overtaking our conscience to help us make decisions.  I believe God uses this built-in tool to help us know what His will is in each decision we make, but we must do our part to make sure we are tuned in and truly hearing from Him and not our own emotions and desires.  It’s our job to get in the Word of God and pray so that we are aligned with His will for our lives.  (Yet another area of self-discipline to practice!)

YouVersion Bible App

Not only is this a matter of personal struggle, but I want to teach my children to develop self-discipline.  I don’t want them to give in to their weaknesses.  I want them to develop grit and persistence; to persevere though trials, large or small.

Believe me, I want to improve on the faulty, less than perfect areas of my life.  The only way I can do so is to trust God.  Trust His Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.  I must yield to those gentle nudges, when I know what I must do or not do…eat or not eat.  I must be an example to those around me, especially those little people that are watching my every move!

My Take-Aways:

1. Self-discipline can be learned.  Choose to develop this skill for the sake of self-improvement.
2. Kids will see your efforts and learn from you.  Be transparent and let them know you struggle.  They will learn that everyone can improve on themselves.  It’s a healthy desire to pass on.
3. Don’t give up!  Be persistent!  Don’t let Satan overtake you.  We have God on our side.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31b