Discipline

That’s my word coming off of vacation. I know—sounds strange because vacation is time we usually throw any discipline to the wind. We do what we want, eat everything in sight, and generally just let go. I did exactly that, within reason, but it made me think that I need more discipline in life (and in my golf game!). In fact, one of the problems with today’s world is that discipline is a forgotten concept. No, I’m not trying to be a drag—just make the world a better place, starting with me.

In today’s world, we want what we want and want it immediately. “Gratification” is more the word of the day, and instant gratification at that. Gratification is all inward focused. I’m more important than you.

Discipline is not bad unless you want gratification. Discipline is what Jesus had in the desert for 40 days, and what he also had when they wanted to coronate him as king. He had the discipline to not give in to instant gratification but, literally, to run for the hills.

Prayer is also a discipline. You have to have the discipline to incorporate it into your life each day. Jesus not only taught us how to pray but the discipline to pray.

Avoiding temptation also takes discipline. Scratch every itch and you’ll end up with one huge sinful sore.

Having a little discipline to not eat everything in sight, and watching what we eat, is a good thing. It’s a discipline that is well served because it makes us healthier, feel better, and out of the doctor’s office.

Discipline is good. Gone overboard it can not only be a drag but actually bad. We all part with discipline on occasion—like when on vacation—but the right amount of discipline can be life saving, in so many ways. And it can go a long way to saving the world.

Have a GREAT day!