Devotion Over Discipline
For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.
For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.
Proverbs 5:21 & 23
One aspect of Lent is fasting. Many people give up sugar, chocolate, alcohol, social media, television or some other loved item.
I’m no good at that. Absolutely no willpower here. Tell me I can’t eat spinach. It’s all I want. Ban me from football on television and … well, that’s a bad analogy. But you get the idea.
I struggle with Self Discipline.
In honor of my many faults, I’m doing a Lenten series this year on:
40 Things to Give Up For a Better Life This Lent
#1 Lack of Discipline
Are you with me? Do you struggle with the whole, “what I want to do, I don’t do and what I do do, I don’t want to do”?
Discipline is one of those big new year’s resolutions. I will eat healthy. I will exercise. I will read my Bible. I will not stick my tongue out at my brother. Impossible goals.
A few days ago, I heard someone (I wish I could remember who) discussing the discipline of writing. He/she said instead of thinking of writing as a discipline, think of it as a devotion.
I’m not disciplined to write. But I am devoted to my writing.
Likewise, I’m not disciplined to never eat chocolate; but I am devoted to staying healthy.
I’m not disciplined to exercise everyday; but I am devoted to my dog, Max, which equals walks.
There is a subtle difference. Do you hear it? Can you imagine it in your life?
What do you struggle being disciplined to? How would your actions change if you thought about it through the lens of devotion?
Since I started looking at writing as a devotion, I’ve found I pull out my notebook at the oddest times to jot down an idea, quote or story. I’m excited to journal in the morning, to capture on paper whatever comes to my mind. Writing no longer feels like a chore. It’s what I love… It’s where my devotion lies.
Where do you lack discipline?
What are you devoted to?
Leave a Reply