Self-Discipline: A Catalyst for Ministry

My husband and I have been talking about self-discipline a lot recently as this is something that we both desire to greatly improve in. He’s been reading a book called “The Disciplined Life” and came to me last night with tons of thoughts about it.

One thing we talked about is the fact that when you are disciplined with yourself, you are able to more freely serve others. In other words:

The more you say “NO” to yourself, the more you are able to say “YES” to others.

For example:

FINANCES: When you discipline yourself in your spending and saving, you will have more resources to bless others with.

• Giving toward missions
• Helping a friend in financial crisis
• Buying a meal for a homeless person

TIME: When you discipline yourself in your use of time, you will have more time to do things for and with others.

• Going on visitation with your church
• Listening to your teenager as she pours her heart out
  
• Cleaning the home of one of your church’s shut-in’s
  

WALK WITH GOD: When you discipline yourself in your walk with God, you will be able to better minister to others from an overflowing heart.

• Hosting a Bible Study in your home
• Counseling a friend
• Sharing what you are learning in your Bible reading with your children

I’m sure you can think of more examples, but I hope you see the point. Self-discipline is not about getting on track or getting ahead…it’s ultimately about serving the Lord by serving others.