2 kinds of self-discipline
April 2nd, 2010
Posted by Chris
Have you ever been around someone who’s commitment to discipline shamed those around them? I have been that person. I have exhibited strong external discipline while suffocating internally. We have different personalities and react differently to people’s choices. We have different opinions as to what choices we should make. We have different backgrounds that factor into our choices. (Search the word attachment on this blog for more info.) But we must grow in our journey of healing, empowered choices, and self-discipline. Let’s just be grace-filled in our discipline.
Grace filled self-discipline:
- Makes choices because they are loved by God.
- Forgive themselves quickly when they mess up. They even find joy in their weakness.
- Is comfortable with moments of carefree play.
- Admits needs, vulnerabilities, and insecurities.
- Knows they cannot “do enough” to get close to God and live wisely. The Holy Spirit must close the gap between our lack and our resources.
Insecure self-discipline:
- Makes good choices to earn God’s love.
- Punishes themselves when they mess up because they think they deserve it.
- Wants to be seen by others as a hard, serious worker having it all together.
- Hides needs, vulnerabilities, and insecurities making other insecure people feel inferior.
- Actually believes their choices are the sole factor for good results.
May your Easter lead you to grace-filled discipline. Today, I’m moving further away from insecure self-discipline but I have a long way to go. I can only describe this because I know it deeply. Any you would add?
I understand the feelings that Easter brings, the joy of what my Savior did for me but also the pain He suffered for me. I know He would have done it all if there had only be me Love you back.
Connie