This week we worked through I Corinthians 9 and the need for self-control or self-discipline in our lives so that we are better able to love others (9:24-27). Chime in and let me know if there are things that help you. I cannot remember where I copied these from but I thought they were helpful. Enjoy.
Tips for Self-Discipline
- Begin with small things. Learn to discipline yourself in small things because these lead to big things.
- Clean your environment. Clean your desk, room, house, garage, etc. Become discontent with a mess in general. Get to the place that orderliness matters.
- Make a schedule and learn to conform to it. You only have so much time in this life. You should budget it just like you do other limited resources like money.
- Wean yourself off of being entertained. Entertainment is often a time-thief. To be self-disciplined, entertainment must become something that you can take or leave. Train yourself to do things that are productive when you have excess time. Read, take a walk, plant flowers, have a conversation.
- Be on time.Order your little universe so that you can get to where you are supposed to be on time and in your right mind.
- Keep your word, even in the littlest things. Do things when you say you will and how you say you will. This calls for discipline before and after you make the commitment. Discipline before you make a commitment is required so that you do not over-commit yourself, and discipline after is required to fulfill the commitment.
- Do the hardest task first. It is probably the most important. And the rest of your tasks will seem like you are coasting…
- Finish what you start. If you start it, finish it. This will also help you say ‘no’ to things you wont be able to finish.
- Practice self-denial just for the sake of self-denial. It reminds you that you are in charge of you.
- Volunteer. Forces you to leave a little space in your life and forces you to order your life such that you have a little extra time to do something that is not part of your agenda.
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I don’t like the list. Why? I’m content the way I am. Well maybe not exactly content but self denial is hard. I don’t want to clean my garage or pass by a donut. Even when I do I often am doing it because of what someone may think or to make myself feel good. I have to remind myself that self control should flow from what I am allowing God to do on the inside. After all it is a fruit of the Spirit. If I’m submitting to Him I’ll likely receive power to do as he wills. Of course that doesn’t mean I should chuck the list and wait for the “Spirit to move”. Doing the right thing and then praying for the right heart is good too. Lord, help me to follow you. Craig