Have you started thinking about things of which you would like to do better in 2025? Does that question cause your blood pressure to rise? Or do you have a plan on which you have been working? At the beginning of a new year, many are motivated to make positive changes in their lives. But after a month, that motivation is usually nowhere to be found. What really makes lasting change in people's lives is not motivation, but discipline. In the beginning, motivation may get you out of bed, but discipline will maintain that behavior.
Discipline is a Bible word. In writing of refraining from certain things, which were perfectly fine but could be a stumbling block to others, the apostle Paul said, But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV). We also read that fathers are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4 ESV). A synonym to discipline is self-control, which is another biblical word. It is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). It must characterize the life of an elder of the church (Titus 1:8). Every Christian should have it and keep perfecting it (2 Peter 1:6,8).
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines discipline as "control gained by enforcing obedience or order; training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character." A Christian who imposes self-discipline, will likely read his Bible every day, pray multiple times a day, say something about Jesus to someone every day, and do something for Jesus every day. How can you impose discipline in your life? A good first step is to rise up early every morning.
Jesus himself practiced discipline. Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed (Mark 1:35). He had the discipline to wake up early, even after a busy day, and pray. This discipline kept him on his mission, for right after the disciples found him, they tried to get him to come back to where he was the day before. But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth” (Mark 1:38).
What will keep you on the Lord's mission in 2025? Self-discipline. Joshua had a plan for himself and his family. In speaking to the leaders of the tribes of Israel, he said, And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord(Joshua 24:15). Serving the Lord is a great goal for a family in 2025. I encourage you to make a list, with the entire family participating, of things you will do to serve the Lord. Then practice the biblical principal of discipline.
Brotherly, Jamie
