Self-discipline is a funny thing. In one way it makes us stronger and more focused than someone without it but in another, it makes us so determined that we lose the ability to see the simple things around us. It also has the ability to force us to do things that we might just otherwise simply blow-off. I’ve been pretty self-disciplined my whole life, I had goals to reach and found ways to complete them. When one road was blocked, I found a path that would lead me to another road headed in the direction that I wanted to go. This type of drive can become all-consuming and before you know it, you aren’t paying attention to the things that are changing around you. My son made an observation tonight that really hit home; once it set in. Speaking to my wife, his sister, and myself he said, “You guys need to just relax and chill a little”. We were all talking about the homework and projects we still had to work on and the tension started to rise. Of course, my answer to him was that when he has more to worry about besides which movie to go see or what electronic gadget to buy, and then he can talk to us about chilling out. In retrospect, he is probably right; we need to chill out a little bit. Between my re-election campaign in full swing, my schoolwork, my special projects, work and daily demands, I could use a little less drive and a little more chill. Self-discipline won’t let us ignore the commitments that we’ve made, nor should we. However, it should also teach us to balance our lives and take time for our selves and each other. Look around the world at the top athletes and you will see very self-disciplined people. You will also see people so absorbed in them selves that they lose sight of the things that matter most. Stay balanced!

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

God never intended for us to be timid; He wants us to be bold and social. We are supposed to be sharing His word with a world that needs salvation and we can’t do that when we sit quietly by ourselves. God’s Spirit gives us power and love to be there for other people or to openly share God’s message. We should have the confidence to stand tall in the face of all adversity because God has given us the strength to do it. No matter what is before you, you have the power of God’s spirit by your side. When you are troubled, turn to God for strength to knock those troubles down. God’s love for you will protect you and He is always there for you. One part of self-discipline is that we remember to do what God has asked of us. We may be driven in this life, have great goals for our careers, and can even pave new roads to success but if we are not disciplined to be faithful to God by growing and sharing in His love, what is the use? God says to us “chill a little” on those earthly wants and needs and give me a little time. Learn what God has in mind for us, learn what love really is and learn what real self-discipline is by knowing how Jesus gave His life for us. He could have changed course when things got bad or quit when He found out that He was to die. Jesus had the self-discipline to stay the course that God had chosen for Him. God isn’t asking much of us, just a little time with Him and less in this world. Go chill with God.