‘I listened to my body, and my body said, “Eat all the cake!”’
I heard someone say this recently and it made me laugh.
We're often told to listen to our bodies, but imagine where we'd end up if we followed every appetite and feeling!
Verse of the Week
‘Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.’ —1 Cor. 9:24–27 (NKJV)
The apostle Paul understood the importance of self-discipline.
He compares the Christian life to an athlete training for a race. Athletes don't reach their goals by doing whatever they feel like each day. They train consistently, exercise self-control and keep going when they'd rather stop.
Paul understood that his body needed to be brought into subjection. He wasn't going to let his physical desires prevent him from completing his assignment.
Here's the good news: self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. When you were born again, the Holy Spirit came to live within you. You already have the ability to exercise self-control, but you need to develop it.
Every time you choose to do what you know is right rather than what feels easiest, you're exercising that self-control.
Then there's perseverance (2 Pet. 1:5-6). Some things God has called us to do will take time. Discipline helps you make the right choices today, while perseverance helps you keep making them until you see results.
Think about the assignments God has given you and the goals you're working towards. They won't all happen overnight, and they certainly won't happen simply because you want them to.
You are a spirit, and you can train your body to follow the decisions you make rather than allowing your feelings to direct your life.
Where could you exercise greater self-discipline this week?
Until next week,
Have a blessed day and keep shining!
Cheryl
