Self discipline

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of selfdiscipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Records indicate that obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years in the United States. I have not been able to locate records over a similar period in the United Kingdom but experts tell us that obesity is on the increase, albeit at a slower rate.

In many countries in Africa, Asia, North America and Europe the spread of sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase.

Broken homes, poor health due to smoking, drinking and lack of exercise are all on the increase throughout the world. Christians do not seem to be immune from this epidemic either.

2 Timothy 1:7 gives us some sound advice that will begin to address some of the problems we face today. Self-discipline is a powerful force.

Prayer, fasting and giving (and not simply money either) are all Christian disciplines that would help us in all walks of life.

How are you coping with self-discipline? Do you allow your body to get everything it wants? Does your flesh overdose on television, gossip, smoking, drinking and such like things ? it cries out like a spoilt child for more sweets and you are sent running to meet its cravings.

Why not turn to the Lord right now and ask him to help you with self-discipline in those areas you know you are struggling.

It will save you a life of great sorrow in the future if you address these problems now.

Consider the following words of exhortation.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

1. Are there weights or sins you need to put off?
2. Have you realized the joy of pleasing the Lord is more satisfying than serving the flesh?
3. Have you looked to Jesus for the power to live a life pleasing to God?
4. What are you waiting for?