“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:11
Worth the Sacrifice
Discipline. We don’t usually like it, although we understand the benefits of it. The verse above is referring to God’s discipline of His children, but it also applies to the concept of self-discipline. Sometimes we avoid self-discipline because it takes a lot of effort and can be painful, but we know the good that results because of it.
Personally, I go through seasons where I am great at self-discipline, and other seasons where I am completely lazy. Recently one evening, while feeling icky and lethargic, I reflected on my big breakfast full of carbs and my lack of exercise for the last couple of months. I realized I have to be more self-disciplined because I know that when I am physically disciplined, I feel better.
As athletes, we have to discipline our bodies in training if we want to improve. The same is true for the spiritual disciplines. It produces a “harvest of righteousness and peace.” I encourage you today, if you are feeling undisciplined as I am, to remember Hebrews 12:11. The benefits are so worth the sacrifice!
— Tricia Hudson
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