September 30, 1986 is when I drew a line in the sand and committed my life to a life of discipline.
Football was the only way out of my environment.
I had no other option.
Football was the vehicle that could take me where I wanted to go: college.
So what did I do?
I worked like crazy.
I was focused. I ran sprints.
I did plyometrics. I lifted weights.
I studied my playbook.
I studied film of my opponents.
I learned from football players and coaches I respected.
The result was not only going to college on a football scholarship, but eventually playing six seasons in the NFL.
How did this happen? Discipline (and God’s sovereignty).
So when Jesus invaded my life and rescued me, I realized I was on a new team and so I needed to learn some disciplines so I could be the best player I could be on Jesus’ team.
I read the Bible and other books every day.
I pray all throughout the day.
I’m in community with other Christians.
I fast.
I serve my community and church as a Lead Pastor.
I invest in my family.
And I invite others to experience the love of Jesus through relationships I’ve developed in my community.
Of course, I do these spiritual disciplines imperfectly.
BUT, these spiritual disciplines are ABSOLUTELY useless if I’m not dependent on the Life of Jesus that indwells me.
Spiritual disciplines are empty unless Jesus fills them with His Life.
Spiritual discipline without dependency on Jesus is lifeless religion.
Dependency with discipline produces a life well lived that exalts Christ (John 15:5).
How are your discipline and dependency?
