Self-Discipline

20161117_121040-1Today we wrapped up the Legacy Summit with messages from Josh McDowell and Tim and Annie Kimmel. The breakout session I attended was with Jay Kessler, the former Director of Youth for Christ. He reflected on his life story, ministry and our present challenges. With the aging of “boomers” we are reminded that we will have one of the largest groups of grandparents in history. Being at this inaugural conference reminds me of the early years of Promise Keepers. Get ready for the “gray wave” making an impact on future generations as they face the challenges of being intentional in the lives of the next generation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 “…I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

There is a line from an old short film that Debbie and I remember from years ago. The film is called, “The Estate Sale.” Two women move through the house of a deceased couple and begin reflecting on the family and what the story told of their lives in the items left behind. One of the girls finds herself in an encounter with the wife and mother from the family, who was the last to die. The woman reflects on her life and her family with the visitor and makes this comment, “We never said, “no” to our children, so they never learned to say, “no” to themselves.

Discipline in life is that which is exerted from an outside force. It may be parents, teachers, a coach, law enforcement or some other authority over our life. However, self-discipline is that which we impose on ourselves. It involves not doing what we should not do, it involves delayed gratification, it involves even not doing what may not be necessarily wrong, for the good others.

It is of interest that Paul confronts those who assert that, “all things are lawful.” In others words, “if I have freedom in Christ, I can do what I want, or what I decide is right, even if some one else views it as wrong or questionable.

Paul provides some practical considerations to give some perspective to this mentality. He reminds them that, “not every is beneficial” not everything is “constructive” or does not build us up. And then he says, “be on guard for that which masters us.” In others words, will it be addictive or destructive in its impact on my life?

In the context Paul addresses that which, “makes us feel good” – food and sex. In chapter 10, he addresses food offered to idols (which isn’t a pervasive issue today) but he lays out a broader concept, No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24) We need to understand and consider how our life impacts others.

Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “For even Christ didn’t live to please Himself…” (Romans 15:2,3 NLT)

So, we can see that self-discipline involves not only decisions I make for my own good, but also for the good of others. This strikes right at the heart of the church being a “community” of believers. We are to live our lives in a way that honors Christ and builds up the body of Christ. In the broadest context we are to consider decisions in areas of “Christian” freedom based on the impact on my life and the life of others.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the example and challenge that we find in scripture. Thank You for the wisdom and direction to guide the decisions of our life.