Developing discipline in any area of life does not come quickly or easily for many people. For years, I struggled to read the Bible regularly. I would read every day for a week and then let two weeks go by without reading at all. It wasn’t until I committed to a daily year-long reading plan that I experienced the life-giving results of being in God’s Word regularly. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us of this principle: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Whenever I read this passage, my first thought is always about developing a budget. When my wife and I first created one, it was a difficult, tedious task. The first few months of operating on a budget, we faced unexpected challenges and weren’t able to stick to it. However, we kept at it and eventually experienced a newfound freedom. It was exhilarating to know that we were tithing, saving, and spending wisely. Our dependence on God grew as we saw Him meet our needs in tangible ways.
Living without boundaries is easy and seems exciting, but living within boundaries brings freedom that can’t be experienced any other way.
Experience Freedom Today
What is one area of your life in which you need discipline? Allow me to suggest a few areas and some practical steps you can take today.
Bible reading–Decide on a specific reading plan centered around a particular topic or a specific book of the Bible. Start small. Reading just five minutes or one chapter a day is a great way to build a habit.
Prayer–Make a prayer list of the people and the situations in your life that need prayer. Dedicate a regular time each day to pray for these needs. Finally, record how God answers your prayers. You’ll become more inspired than ever to keep your prayer life alive.
Generosity–A 10 percent tithe can seem overwhelming if you’re not in the habit of giving regularly. Start with 1 percent and add an extra 1 percent each month until you reach 10 percent. Look for opportunities to give to those around you, in both big and small ways.
The disciplined life often comes at a price. But the “harvest of righteousness and peace” it produces is worth it. What is one area of life in which you need more discipline?
