The journey of faith is made one practical step at a time. 

The Apostle Paul referred to the life of a believer as a race to be run with discipline and determination. 

Like a track coach to his cross country team, Paul said: “Run to win! Don’t be distracted or lazy – work hard and you’ll finish strong!” (my paraphrase of 1 Cor. 9:24-26)

Paul goes on to say:

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬ ESV)

There’s just no way around it. To be spiritually successful I must be physically disciplined. 

1. I must be disciplined with my time. 
2. I must be disciplined with my diet. 
3. I must be disciplined with my exercise. 
4. I must be disciplined with my work/rest rhythm. 

Of course, the list goes on. 

One of the things the Holy Spirit revealed to me a few years ago is that I should always be fasting something. It may be food, or social media, or a tv show, or sweet tea (come on somebody) – but I should always be self-disciplined. 

I don’t have to give in to every craving! 

On the other hand, there are disciplines that should always be a part of my life. Church attendance and involvement, reading and studying my Bible, meaningful time in prayer, expressions of gratitude and praise – I ought to do these things whether I’m “feeling it” or not. 

An undisciplined believer is an ineffective believer. 

I must also keep in mind that my goal is not perfection – my goal is a constant pursuit of the prize set before me. 

Father, Help me to be disciplined, so I can run to win! In Jesus’ name, amen.