Self-discipline is your decision put into action unto completion

A story that never gets old, because it is still a reflection of human nature, is about the three frogs sitting on a log. Two of them decided to jump off. How many were left? The answer is still three, not one, because it was only a decision and not an action on that decision!

From year to year, some of the saddest words spoken, especially by Christians, are “I was going to…!” How many times have we heard or even spoken these words? Intentions may sound meaningful but, far too often, they are empty of performance.

The child of God is held to even a greater accountability than those of the world because we know better. James 4:17 teaches us, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” When a Christian says, “I am going to…” and doesn’t follow through, those hollow words become, “I was going to…” which is nothing short of sin.

Or, I was going to read my Bible more than before. Once again, your good intention was not only shameful but, more importantly, brought on God’s disapproval. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Or, I was going to start tithing. This was not even a good intention because withholding what is not yours, but God’s, makes one a robber! Malachi 3:8-10a declares, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts…” No one has the right to tell God how he will spend His tithes and offerings. Why rob God when He has given and blessed us with everything we have?

Or, saddest of all, I was going to be a better witness for Christ and start sharing the Gospel. In Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” What if that one to whom we did not witness entered eternity of eternal separation from the One who loved them so much He gave His only begotten Son to die so they could live?

As he was about to walk his daughter down the aisle, the father of the bride suddenly realized he couldn’t remember the last time he had taken the time to even hug his little girl. Immediately, he hugged her, kissed her cheek and said, “Daddy loves you so much.” His decision, in action, was true self-discipline and fulfillment!

From My Heart

Bro. John