What comes to your mind when you hear the term “disciplined life”? Does it have a positive or negative meaning for you? Disciplined living has always attracted my attention, especially since I noticed that proponents of the theory of cause and effect tend to be very organized and strive for excellence in achieving their intended goals. They are driven to become the best they can be.
Famous athletes are a good example of this. Their disciplined life is essential to realize their true potential. In the Bible, the apostle Paul used a sports analogy. He wrote, “...but I discipline and bring my body into subjection, so that while I have preached to others, I myself should not be unworthy” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Many professions have followed a similar approach, setting exceptionally high standards for their goals. Being mediocre is not “good” enough for many of us. We want to become the best, or at least one of the best, in our chosen profession.
To be truly disciplined means to become committed to your lifestyle. This deep commitment becomes synonymous with the field we achieve. Over many years of following Jesus Christ, wanting to reconcile my faith with my practical life, I have come to believe that this requires first focusing on trusting God. This is even higher than the needs of others and your own. I also realized that this cannot happen naturally because our self-centered human nature tends to constantly get in the way. It requires a supernatural, life-changing encounter with Christ that strikes us to the core. This change began for me many years ago, but my spiritual transformation continues to this day.
Like achieving excellence in my profession, the Christian life also requires considerable discipline - certainly in devotion to the cause of Christ, but also in professional practice. This applies to the company’s general director, department managers, sales representatives, and service personnel. No matter what we do, devotion to Jesus should influence the way we approach life and work.
This even applies to kings. In Psalm 87:1-4, King David of Israel prays, “Incline, O Lord, Thy ear, and hear me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul, for I revere You; Save, my God, Your servant who trusts in You. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to You every day. Make glad the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Do you sense King David's devotion and dedication?
As a business, professional person, are you filled with the desire to please God in your work? If so, then make sure that your life, which will lead to pleasing Him, is disciplined. In most cases, He does not expect us to live in monasteries or give up our property. In fact, He requires us to put Him first and others before our own needs.
No matter how disciplined we are, we all slip up and give in to temptation from time to time. Fortunately, those who follow Christ are promised a path to return to the path that the Lord wants to lead us on. We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also provide escape, so that you can endure it.” Paul continues in the next two verses: “Therefore, my beloved, flee idolatry. I speak to you as if you are sensible; Judge for yourself what I say.” This, as you can imagine, requires discipline and dedication.
© 2023. All rights reserved. Jim Langley is a writer with thirty years of experience and works as a life and health insurance agent. In recent years, his passion has become writing about his relationship with God. His goal is to encourage others to draw closer to Him. A longtime member of CBMC, he began writing Fourth Quarter Strategies in 2014.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. To learn more about what the Bible says on this topic, consider the following passages: Deuteronomy 5:28-29; Proverbs 21:5; Matthew 22:34–40; John 21:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Difficult task
How would you rate your life in terms of discipline? If you don't think you are where you want to be, what could you do today to begin living a more disciplined life professionally, personally, and spiritually? Who do you know who could help with this? If you consider yourself a fairly disciplined person, is there anyone for whom your experience could be useful?