THURSDAY August 26, 2021
The Disciplined Life
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
It is important to appreciate the gift of work. If a person refuses to work, they do not eat––simple as that. If you do not have a disciplined life you are going to be scatter brained, unpunctual, never accomplish anything in life, and you will waste time––God’s time. I like to be on time wherever I go; I hate being late. I find I do not need a time clock, but some people do. It helps them wake up and to be on time. As a Marine, I learned discipline and continue to be disciplined in everything I do.
When someone does not have discipline in their life they can feel like society or people owe them something. Those who are lazy try to skate through life. They want an easy life. Some young adults never get a job because their parents have paid for almost everything! Lazy, entitled people need to read the Proverbs because it will give them wise and practical counsel: Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread (Proverbs 20:13).
I have taught, especially those in leadership, to take a blank piece of paper and throughout the week, Monday through Sunday, write down every half hour what they are doing. They are so surprised by the end of the week! It reveals to them how much time they gave to the Lord in reading His Word, praying and worship. People will see that most of the things they wrote down were time spent doing things for themselves. This test will help people to be able to see the selfishness of their own heart.
It is good to be disciplined and have a schedule, but it is God who will give you the strength and gifting to accomplish things in this life. Everything you do in this life is to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ.
Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service.
~Jack Hyles~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
