The ‘Up’ Side of Discipline

Do you ever feel as I do that you’re going in circles—accomplishing a lot of little things and then suddenly running out of fuel for what really matters, like time with your family or investing in a special interest that you’ve put off too long?

Have you considered that discipline is as important to our pleasures and passions as to our work and prayer and family life? I’m considering this too, and discovering that a happier more disciplined life is available when I surrender to wisdom and discernment––two virtues that are easier to talk about than practice.

A disciplined life is also a simple life—one that is free of baggage, bulging calendars, demanding people, and unrealistic expectations that challenge us in this ‘hurry up and get it done’ culture we live in.  But when we commit to clearing out the clutter—from old magazines to old clothing to old acquaintances that no longer nourish us—oh the freedom and the strength and the zest we feel. Discipline becomes a ‘good’ thing instead of a hard task.

I took a step in this direction today by going through closets and drawers and boxes and making a big pile of unused clothing and shoes and then assembling them for the United Cerebral Palsy truck that comes to our neighborhood each month. I talk about giving away what we can no longer use but often forget—until I discipline myself to do what I did today.

It also takes discipline to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty, to refuel ourselves with a good night’s rest after a day’s work, and to carefully consider our choices and decisions ahead of time so we don’t over-commit ourselves and risk illness and irritability.

Discipline brings us down to where we ought to be so we can be lifted up by the strength of God when we need it most. And it affords us time for some of life’s pleasure—like camping and golf and swimming and music and reading.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

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Discipline brings us down to where we ought to be so we can be lifted up by the strength of God when we need it most. Tweet it.

Do you feel guilty and worn out in life? A little discipline can help. Tweet it.