Discipline is

Alignment

Sometimes we put more pressure on ourselves than we’re meant to have. I met with a younger brother last week to encourage him in his walk with Christ as he had shared how life was “life-ing”. He shared about cars breaking down, works hours being up and down, and he “getting behind” with his time with God. He expressed shame that he hadn’t read his Bible or had to energy to “go to church” and I offered some encouraging words.

To him and a lot of us, time with God, or any discipline, seems like a chore that we either get a star for completing or a demerit for not. The truth is, life is the chore and discipline is what equips us to do life. Spiritually, God knows our days and provides just enough “daily bread” to nourish us to engage, when we seek time with Him. Otherwise, we rely on our own strength that is totally insufficient. God isn’t judging us for not spending time with Him, He’s patiently waiting as our loving father with the peace, comfort or wisdom we need. When our hearts shift from obligation to spend time with God to enjoyment of resting with the King of the universe, we truly benefit in our day. I’m not saying everything will be easy but we will navigate the challenges of life with a peace that is beyond our understanding.

Like our spiritual discipline, so is true in our mental and physical lives as well. Positive meditation or clean eating aren’t chores we have to do, they’re fuel for productive thinking and energetic thinking. Last week, you were challenged to take a first step. You may have met it one day and fell off the next but don’t beat yourself up. Just get back in alignment. Your spirit, mind and body need those disciplines to endure the trials of life. Once back aligned you’ll see peace and order in yourself that will reflect in your leadership.