Self-Discipline
Part one
Your thoughts and way of thinking
Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
One of the first organs to develop before birth is the brain, and it is the brain that controls the body’s functions.
A person’s behavior is reflective of their thinking or the thoughts they are having. When a person is thinking positive, and is having positive thoughts, that person will display a positive behavior. A person that is thinking negative, or having negative thoughts will display a negative behavior.
As I began my research on this topic of self-discipline in the Webster’s Universal College Dictionary, I noticed that right under the definition of “self-discipline” was the definition of “self-doubt”.
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart so is he” (NKJV)
If a person is going to have positive self-discipline, then that person is going to have to continue thinking positive.
James 1:7,8 “For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. Vs. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (KJV)
Having “toggling thoughts” (going back and forth with positive or negative thoughts) can delay a person’s progress in obtaining positive self discipline. Doubting yourself can cause thoughts like “can I really do this?”
A person might ask how do I cope with going from having positive thoughts, to having negative thoughts in my thinking.
Fear or doubt may be the source of having negative thoughts when a person is trying to focus on having positive thoughts.
2nd Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)
An excuse can be why it didn’t happen…A reason can be why it did happen. Fear can be a cause of doubt and doubt can be a cause of fear. Many times when a person is putting forth an effort to have good self-discipline, fear or doubt can appear in their thinking.
Romans 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (NKJV)
Setting unreasonable goals, can contribute to someone not reaching the goal that has been set. A person has to be careful not to allow pride or haughtiness to influence one’s self-discipline.
Lord Jesus, I look to You for strength to help with my way of thinking and my thoughts, in Jesus name… Amen!
Next week’s post
Part two of the series Self-discipline
“Habits”
Continuing in His service…Rev
